14/10/2026
Looking after ourselves and each other following su***de loss
The effects of su***de loss can reach well beyond those who were closest to the person. Friends, colleagues, neighbours and other community members may also experience grief, shock, confusion or distress. Su***de loss can also bring back memories of previous bereavements or difficult experiences.
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐บ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐.
When su***de impacts a community, people may naturally have questions or want to understand what has happened. However, sharing rumours, speculating about circumstances or passing on personal details can cause additional distress and harm, especially among those who are grieving.
We can all help create a more compassionate and supportive community by:
- Respecting the privacy of individuals, families and friends.
- Avoiding rumours, speculation and sharing details about the circumstances of a death.
- Sharing messages of care, connection and support rather than information that may be distressing or unverified.
- Checking in with people around us, listening without judgement and continuing to offer support over time.
- Looking after our own wellbeing, including taking a break from social media or conversations that feel overwhelming.
Remember, you don't need to know the details of someone's death to show kindness and offer support.
If you've been affected by su***de, whether recently or in the past, your wellbeing matters too.
Lifeline's Touched by Su***de: Wellbeing Support Guide offers practical information for anyone emotionally impacted by su***de, including those who may not have been directly connected to the person.
Read the guide here: https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/support-toolkit/techniques-and-guides/touched-by-su***de-wellbeing-support-guide
Support is available:
StandBy Support After Su***de
1300 727 247 โ Free support for anyone bereaved or impacted by su***de.
Su***de Call Back Service
1300 659 467 โ 24 hours
Lifeline
13 11 14 โ 24 hours
13YARN
13 92 76 โ 24 hours, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800 โ 24 hours
If someone is in immediate danger, call 000.
