Bereaved by Suicide: Finding the Right Support for You

Help Is Always Available

There is always help and support available for you, and your loved ones. Some people might like to talk to others about what has happened, while others prefer to turn their grief into action. Whatever way you cope, it is really important to have good support in the form of people with whom you can just be yourself, whatever way that is.

When to Seek Extra Support

Most of the time, friends, family and colleagues can provide this support, but sometimes, particularly with suicide, you may need some extra help. If you are finding that you are feeling overwhelmed, experiencing nightmares or flashbacks, unable to eat or sleep, feeling isolated, having suicidal thoughts or finding yourself unable to cope, then seeking extra support can be helpful. If you need to, talk with your GP, especially if things have been feeling overwhelming for some time, and if you’re struggling to cope.

Organisations Offering Bereavement Support

The following are some organisations that provide bereavement-specific support:

• HUGG is a national suicide bereavement organisation. They offer grief resources, a telephone support line, and peer-led support groups led by trained volunteers with lived experience. HUGG also run public events and provides research and advocacy. www.hugg.ie 
• The Irish Childhood Bereavement Network provides information on grief in children, adolescents and families. On their website, you can find a list of resources and tools to help and support you and your family. www.childhoodbereavement.ie 
• The Irish Hospice Foundation provides information on grief in children, adolescents and families. They have a range of leaflets, booklets and videos available to download and order, as well as shared personal experiences. www.hospicefoundation.ie 
• The Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service is a free, confidential service that provides assistance and support to families and individuals after the loss of a loved one to suicide. This service is provided by different agencies throughout Ireland.
  • www.pieta.ie 
  • www.vitahouse.org (Roscommon)
  • www.thefamilycentre.com (Mayo)
• Anam Cara supports parents after bereavement by signposting to services and providing information evenings in the community throughout the country. www.anamcara.ie 
• Barnardos deliver a specialist bereavement service where children and young people are supported to grieve. They also have a huge amount of information on grief in children, adolescents and families. Free e-books can be downloaded from their website. www.barnardos.ie

General Mental Health Support

If you, or someone you know, needs general support for their mental health, you can also visit the HSE website www.yourmentalhealth.ie for information on how to mind your mental health, support others, or find a support service in your area.

This article is adapted from You Are Not Alone, the national suicide bereavement support guide.

For more information from the HSE on bereavement, loss and suicide bereavement, visit www.hse.ie/grief.

From the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention.