Suicide bereavement, also known as suicide loss, is the grief experienced people experience after losing someone to suicide. This includes whānau, loved ones, friends, flat mates, colleagues, teammates or anyone who cared about this person.
In 2024/25, there were 630 suspected suicides across New Zealand. Every one of these deaths can be thought to have a ripple effect, with research estimating one suicide can affect up to 135 people. that is felt through our communities. This is indicated by research which estimates that one suicide effects up to 135 people. Highlighting that suicide bereavement is far more common than you may think. It is likely you may know or know of someone effected by suicide bereavement. While grief is different for everyone, there are things you can do and say to support someone you know who has lost a person to suicide.
FAQs
What if they found the person who died?
This person is called the ‘discoverer’. This can add a layer of trauma…
What if they’re a child/under 18?
Noticing suicide bereavement also differs depending on the age of the person you are supporting. The above section is mostly focused on adults, but if the person you are supporting is under the age of 18, check out these links on how to have conversations with children and young people about this topic:
https://www.childbereavementuk.org/childrens-understanding-of-death-at-different-ages