Support for carers
Do you need help now? Contact the Mental Health Carer and Information Support Line on 1300 554 660.
If you're supporting a friend or family member who is experiencing or has experienced suicidal distress, this role can take a toll on your own mental health and wellbeing. Some important things to remember:
- you are not alone and you can get through this
- one of the most important things you can do for a person who has attempted suicide is to simply let them know that you love and care about them and will support them
- by looking after yourself, you are better able to provide support to others. (Source: BeyondBlue's Guiding Their Way Back resource)
Below are some resources to help you find information and support:
- ARAFMI Illawarra provides local support and information for carers on their website
- BeyondBlue’s Guiding their way back resource provides information on how to support someone who has attempted suicide
- Carer Gateway is an online hub with help and advice for carers
- Carers NSW is a state-based organisation for carers with practical, financial, and emotional support options
- Roses in the Ocean’s ‘Caring for someone who is suicidal’ page acknowledges the importance of people with lived experience of caring for someone who is suicidal
- Sane Australia provides online resources for families and carers
You can also do suicide prevention training such as Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) and learn how to help someone who might be struggling.