Suicide and attempted suicide are harrowing for family members and friends. They often grapple with the question of why the person chose to end, or try to end, their own life; however, the question is often complicated and can remain unanswered. Family members and friends may feel anger at the person; remorse over lost opportunities; guilt over failed responsibilities, real or imagined; or a range of other responses and emotions.
How can we best support people who are struggling with suicide, attempted suicide or having suicidal thoughts? The resources below can help congregations and individuals to respond with care and sensitivity, understand some of what people are experiencing, and to know how to help.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 000. Lifeline can be contacted by phone on 13 11 14 or online.
General resources
After a suicide
- Understanding suicide and grief, Beyond Blue
- Grieving a Suicide: A Meditation, Dorothy McRae-McMahon
- Grieving a Suicide: A Ritual or Funeral, Dorothy McRae-McMahon
- How we can approach funerals, Kaye Mitchell
- What do people want to hear in response to suicide? A reflection by a person who had a brother and niece take their own lives.
- Suicide bereavement, Lifeline
After a suicide attempt
Suicide prevention
Being open to talk about suicide, both at the personal level and in your congregation, might encourage someone who is struggling to ask for help. A conversation could change a life. Being connected to others is important when someone is having suicidal thoughts. If you see that something is not quite right with someone, maybe they need you to ask them “R U OK?” Ask, listen, encourage and then follow up.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 000. Lifeline can be contacted by phone on 13 11 14 or online.
R U OK Day is Thursday 14 September this year. Find out more.
Lifeline Suicide Prevention has excellent advice and information.