HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Support after a suicide attempt (for family & friends)
Tautoko i muri i te whakamātaunga whakamomori (mō te whānau me ngā hoa)
It is very hard to deal with the fact that someone you are close to has attempted suicide or has killed themselves.
If they have attempted suicide, it can be difficult knowing they felt this was an option for them. We cannot always understand why people have these thoughts even if we are close to them. Getting them the help they need will also help you in dealing with the situation.
Sharing what has happened and how you are feeling with whānau (family) and friends allows you to support each other. You may also need to get help through your general practice team or a mental health professional.
If the person has died, you will have the hurt of this grief and loss to deal with. Grief is personal and there is no right or wrong way to go through it.
There are resources to help you deal with this very difficult challenge.
WAVES programme and support group
WAVES is an eight-week practical, supportive educational programme for people bereaved by suicide. The programme is for groups of six to eight people. It is run by professional counsellors and educators. It is available to people aged 18 or older. See the Skylight website for more information.
For programme dates, contact Yellow Brick Road on (03) 366‑9284 or 0800‑876‑682.
Victim Support
Victim Support offers support after a suicide with specially trained bereavement service specialists. Police will contact Victim Support to arrange the service after a suicide has happened. But you can also self-refer. They will also provide support if the suicide happened outside New Zealand. Phone: 0800‑842‑846.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Mental Health Foundation – Suicide loss
Advice and resources for those left behind after a suicide. It includes advice on how to support someone who is coping with the suicide of someone close.
- After a Suicide
After a Suicide is a website that offers practical information and guidance if you have lost a loved one to suicide. Also, a friend, a member of your whānau, a colleague at work or someone else you were close to.
- Skylight – Suicide
This page has links to articles about suicide. It also has advice on how to support people going through tough times.
- Aoake te Rā
Aoake te Rā is a free service that provides support and manaaki to individuals, whānau and communities who have lost someone to suicide. Trained providers give support face to face, online or over the phone.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed December 2023.
SourcesReview key: HISUH-48714
