Letting whānau, friends and colleagues know
Sharing the news of a death is never easy, but when someone has died by suspected suicide, it can feel especially heavy.
Telling tamariki/children and rangatahi/young people
Every child or young person will react differently when someone they know has died by suicide.
Other people's reactions
When someone has died by suspected suicide, people may reach out in many ways – phone calls, texts, emails, visits, social media messages, or offers to come and stay.
Managing media questions
Following a suicide or suspected suicide, you may be contacted by journalists or media outlets asking for comment or an interview.
Using social media safely
Safely breaking the news about the person who died to other people is important. Try to let those closest to the person know before posting on social media.
Supporting someone after a suspected suicide loss
What matters most is being there, even if words are hard to find.
If you're worried someone might be thinking about suicide
If you're worried about someone, your care and courage could save their life.
Organisations that can help
Here's a list of organisations and helplines you can turn to for more support.
Someone to talk to
Grief after suicide loss can feel isolating – but you don’t have to go through this alone.
Support groups
A suicide bereavement support group can offer a safe and understanding space to share your story, express your feelings, and hear from others who are walking a similar path.
Resources
Find useful resources and information from a range of providers such as the Mental Health Foundation and Coronial Services.
Introduction
This website is here to enable you to find your own path forward. It brings together gentle, heartfelt, and clear guidance in one place.
Help
Free, 24-hour support and information services. If this is an emergency, please phone 111 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department (ED).
