Suicide grief is horrendous, says Margot McAllister.
"It is complicated and traumatic with many of those bereaved by suicide being diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder."
The coordinator the Mandurah support group, The Compassionate Friends, says each year in Australia, there are over 3000 deaths by suicide.
This leaves more than 30,000 relatives and friends grieving with those closest to the person who died being at a high risk of suicide themselves.
"The grief support needed is vital and it needs to be appropriate and ongoing," Margot says.
"Each of us will grieve differently and so The Compassionate Friends offers a range of services.
"It is impossible for anyone who has not lost a loved one to suicide to fully understand the needs and issues involved."
The support group for those bereaved by suicide meets on the third Friday of each month at Lotteries House, 7 Anzac Place, Mandurah from 9.30am-12.30pm.
Attendance is free and the group is led by a trained facilitator who is also bereaved by suicide. Parents, other relatives, partners and friends are welcome to attend.
Other support services include 24x7 telephone contact, individual one to one sessions and memorial events. To enquire about these services or attend the next group which meets on Friday, August 21, call 9535 7761.
