Losing someone to suicide can be very hard. You may feel shock, sadness, anger, confusion, or many different emotions at once. 

There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Everyone responds differently, and support is there when you are ready. 

You are not alone 

A suicide loss can affect family, friends, workmates, and the wider veteran community. 

It can feel lonely or hard to talk about. Reaching out, even in a small way, can help over time. 

Ways to get support 

Support after suicide can look different for each person. It may include: 

• Counselling or other mental health support 
• Peer support from people with similar experiences 
• Practical help during a hard time 
• Ongoing support for your wellbeing 

You may want help straight away, or later on. You can get support at your own pace. 

Support for veterans and families of veterans

Veterans and the families of veterans can get different types of support, including:

• Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling, which provides free and confidential mental health and wellbeing support including counselling, care coordination, peer support, group programs, and digital health initiatives
• Peer support programs, led by people with lived experience of military service, transition, and mental health challenges, offering understanding through shared experience  
• Case management, including help to connect with services
• Bereavement payments and other support, for eligible family members

There are also online communities where veterans and the families of veterans can connect with others in a safe and supported space.

Connecting with others 

The effects of suicide can reach beyond close family to friends, units, and the wider veteran community. 

It may help to: 

• Stay in touch with other people 
• Go to a support group or peer program 
• Take part in activities that help you remember and heal 

There is no right or wrong way to grieve. 

Looking after yourself 

Grief can affect how you feel, think, and cope each day. 

You could: 

• Talk to someone you trust 
• Get help from a health professional 
• Take small steps to care for yourself each day 

It is okay to ask for help and take things one day at a time. 

What helps after a suicide loss 

Evidence-based postvention guidance suggests that people are best supported when care is timely, flexible, practical, culturally safe, and matched to their needs over time. 

• Offer support early, and keep it available over time, because needs can change. 
• Provide clear information and practical help as well as emotional support. 
• Make it easy to find the right service, without sending people from place to place. 
• Offer support that fits the person’s culture, family, community, and preferences. 
• Include peer support and connection with others who have lived experience, when this feels right for the person. 
• Use safe, respectful, non-stigmatising language when talking about suicide and grief. 
• Pay extra attention to people who may be at higher risk, including those who are deeply affected, isolated, or already under stress. 

Postvention services in Australia 

If you have been affected by suicide, there are services in Australia that can offer emotional support, practical help, and connection to other support options. 

• StandBy Support After Suicide – 1300 727 247 provides free support for people and communities bereaved or impacted by suicide, including families, friends, witnesses, and first responders. 
• Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling – 1800 011 046 provides free and confidential mental health and wellbeing support including counselling, care coordination, peer support, group programs and digital health initiatives for veterans and families of veterans.
• Postvention Australia – 1300 02 4357 provides information, suicide bereavement resources, and a service directory to help people find support. 
• Lifeline – 13 11 14 provides 24/7 crisis support for anyone feeling overwhelmed or having trouble coping, by phone, chat, or text. 
• Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 provides free 24/7 counselling by phone and online for people affected by suicide, including people bereaved by suicide. 
• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 provides mental health support, information, and counselling options for people experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, or distress. 

Get help now 

If you feel overwhelmed or are finding it hard to cope, you can contact: 

• Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7) 
• Open Arms – 1800 011 046 (24/7) 

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000. 

Support matters 

Helping people after suicide is an important part of caring for veterans, the families of veterans, and communities.