Bereavement

Grief is a natural human response to suicide. It is a process that everyone experiences differently, and it can be difficult to know what to do or who to reach out to.

"When you are in shock, your brain shuts down and simple things become really difficult ... You just need one place to go to so you can get the information you need." Jo, mother supporting two children who were bereaved in 2018 (aged 10 and 14 at the time)

Below is some useful information for people who have lost someone to suicide and those who are supporting someone who is bereaved.

StandBy Support After Suicide | phone: 1300 727 247 | Free phone or face-to-face support for anyone bereaved or impacted by suicide.

Thirrili Indigenous Postvention Service | phone: 1800 805 801 | Emotional and practical support for families impacted by a loss from suicide or other fatal traumatic incident.

Practical matters

"I wish I had known that there were more support services available for me and the kids ... financial and otherwise."

– Jodi, mother of two, bereaved 2013.

What happens now?	For information on the immediate steps after a suicide: Click here to access the Bereavement Information & Support pack which includes information on: what happens in the first 24 hours (pages 3–4) the coronial process (pages 5–6).
Legal matters	Below are some documents to assist you with planning and managing legal matters: What needs to be done after someone dies? What to do with the will and estate, or if there is no will? For free legal advice, consult your local legal centre: Illawarra – visit illawarralegalcentre.org.au or call (02) 4276 1939 Shoalhaven – visit shoalcoast.org.au or call 1800 229 529.
Money matters	Below are some links to assist you with money matters after someone dies: Losing your partner – financial considerations Claiming money from life insurance Accessing income protection Accessing your partner's super Bereavement payment Access emergency funds Apply for a child care subsidy
Other things	Below are some suggestions for other issues and steps to consider at this time: Find a local Justice of the Peace to authorise copies of the death, marriage certificates etc. Talk to someone about wills, estate and custody Get legal advice from an estate lawyer Close social media and email accounts (click here for information on memorialising a Facebook page).

"When someone has died by suicide it can spark a lot of fear, judgement and unfortunately at times, criticism. This stigma can cause more harm and contribute negatively on the people that need the most support during this time. Please seek help if you are grieving or supporting someone who is bereaved."

– Tania, lost father to suicide in 1988

Grief affects everyone in different ways, and grief in response to suicide can be particularly challenging.

Below are some fact sheets with advice and links to further supports which may be helpful at this time.

Practical matters

Looking after yourself

What about the kids?

What about work and study?

Supporting someone bereaved by suicide

Additional resources

Support after suicide

Bereavement

Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 13YARN on 13 92 76 for 24/7 crisis support.

For other mental health concerns, visit headtohealth.gov.au or talk to someone you trust such as a doctor or health professional.