SOSBSA is here for those who have lost loved ones to suicide. Most of our members have had such a loss and know the shock, trauma, confusion, fear , disbelief, emptiness, powerlessness, anger, longing, detachment, guilt, regret and overwhelming love one can go through – and these are only some of the emotions you may feel on this wild, unwanted ride. Your thoughts, emotions, beliefs and even behaviour may clash chaotically together and you may even question your sanity.
We are here to let you know you can and will survive, even though you may not believe it at this time. There will be better days.
24/7 phone support: 1300 767 022 (Australia)
You may wish to call our 24/7 suicide bereavement support line (if it is engaged, leave you first name and number and your call will be returned asap) where you will speak with others who have had a loved one die from suicide and who will have some understanding of what you are going through, or you may like to look at our resources, publications and links(*1). There is no easy way of going through grief but an understanding of grief, mental illness(*2), theories of suicide and suicide research may help you as you search for understanding and explanations – though there will come a time when you will accept that some of your questions may never be answered.
"The acute responses to loss are not unhealthy or maladaptive responses.
Rather they are normal responses to an abnormal event." Kirsti A. Dyer, MD, MS
*1. We provide these external resources and links because they may be useful to some and because we do not have the resources or expertise to cover this field adequately, especially when there is so much material available. If a site/book/article is not suitable for you at this time, please continue your search.
*2. Why mental illness? Many of those who suicide had or are thought to have had a mental illness. Mental illnesses include depression, anxiety, addictions, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia and the other illnesses covered in some of the Links. It is important for you to understand that mental illnesses are disorders of the brain and not a personal choice. (Addicts and alcoholics chose their drug but they are unlikely to have chosen the disability of addiction even though they may have known the risk.) Truly understanding this reduces the stigma of judgement – from and of yourself and from and of others and brings a genuine compassion for those afflicted. Having a mental illness doesn't "cause" suicide but can make some people much more vulnerable.
We are here to let you know you can and will survive, even though you may not believe it at this time. There will be better days.
24/7 phone support: 1300 767 022 (Australia)
You may wish to call our 24/7 suicide bereavement support line (if it is engaged, leave you first name and number and your call will be returned asap) where you will speak with others who have had a loved one die from suicide and who will have some understanding of what you are going through, or you may like to look at our resources, publications and links(*1). There is no easy way of going through grief but an understanding of grief, mental illness(*2), theories of suicide and suicide research may help you as you search for understanding and explanations – though there will come a time when you will accept that some of your questions may never be answered.
"The acute responses to loss are not unhealthy or maladaptive responses.
Rather they are normal responses to an abnormal event." Kirsti A. Dyer, MD, MS
*1. We provide these external resources and links because they may be useful to some and because we do not have the resources or expertise to cover this field adequately, especially when there is so much material available. If a site/book/article is not suitable for you at this time, please continue your search.
*2. Why mental illness? Many of those who suicide had or are thought to have had a mental illness. Mental illnesses include depression, anxiety, addictions, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia and the other illnesses covered in some of the Links. It is important for you to understand that mental illnesses are disorders of the brain and not a personal choice. (Addicts and alcoholics chose their drug but they are unlikely to have chosen the disability of addiction even though they may have known the risk.) Truly understanding this reduces the stigma of judgement – from and of yourself and from and of others and brings a genuine compassion for those afflicted. Having a mental illness doesn't "cause" suicide but can make some people much more vulnerable.
Suicide Grief Support Groups
Publications
Disclaimer. The contents of this website are for general information only and may change without notice. There is no guarantee of their quality, accuracy or applicability. SOSBSA is not responsible for third party contacts/links mentioned within the site..
Survivors of Suicide Bereavement Support Association Inc. ABN 15 084 233 358. Committee Secretary: secretary@sosbsa.org.au
Survivors of Suicide Bereavement Support Association Inc. ABN 15 084 233 358. Committee Secretary: secretary@sosbsa.org.au