After a suicide

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    Introduction Karakia
    First reactions - Wairuatanga
    About Suicide Emotions and Reactions Looking after yourself If you have witnessed a suicide or discovered the person who has died
    Letting others know - Panui Kōrero
    Notifying whānau, family and friends Telling children and young people Managing other people’s reactions to the news Managing any media questions
    Coping - Tiakitanga
    Grief after suicide loss What makes suicide grief different? Supporting children and young people in grief Looking after yourself as you grieve Blessing the site If you are uncertain if a death is by suicide Coping with your own suicidal thoughts
    Official processes - Kaitiakitanga
    What to expect The Police The coroner and the coronial process Victim Support The post mortem or autopsy Your tangihanga/funeral director If a New Zealander dies overseas
    Practical matters - Tikanga
    Bereavement leave Organising the paperwork The death certificate The will Sorting banking arrangements People and organisations to notify
    Supporting others - Manaaki Tāngata
    Supporting others
    Find support - Tautoko
    Find support Someone to talk to Support groups Useful resources - Rauemi Manaaki

Useful resources - Rauemi Manaaki

The below resources may provide support and information.
  • When someone dies suddenly, a guide to coronial services in New Zealand 
  • Comment or No Comment 
  • Losing a loved one to suicide during COVID-19 
  • We’re here to support you - postcard resource with information on MHF resources that may help to support after a suicide 
  • Funerals in Aotearoa after a death by suicide: Guidance for whānau
  • Funerals in Aotearoa after a death by suicide: Guidance for service providers   
  • Pacific Suicide Postvention - Supporting Pacific Communites Bereaved by Suicide 
  • Conversations Matter when telling a child about suicide 
  • A book just for me- a grief journal for children under 12 
  • My Grief Journal - for grieving teens 
  • Dealing with flashbacks - a guide to understanding and managing flashbacks to traumatic events
  • How to talk online about someone who has died by suicide 
  • LQBTIQA+ Suicide Postvention Response Plan: Preliminary Findings 
  • Victim Support resources: 
    • Discovering or witnessing a suicide
    • After a suicide, supporting a child or young person 
    • Coping with Trauma
    • After a suicide, answers to common questions 
    • Dealing with practical matters
    • Connecting through kōrero 

Related Content

  • Find support
  • Someone to talk to
  • Support groups
  • Useful resources - Rauemi Manaaki

Need help now?

Need to talk? Text 1737

Call or text 1737 for free support from trained counsellors 24/7.

Lifeline. Call 0800 543 354

For free 24/7 telephone counselling and support.

Samaritans Helpline. Call 0800 726 666

For anyone who is lonely, or in emotional distress.

After a suicide

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