2. #TheRippleEffect: Leah’s Brave Story

Today on #Hashtag Death we are talking about suicide with someone who lost a loved one in this way.

Death by suicide can be hard for family and friends to process, particularly if someone hasn’t previously had a diagnosed mental illness.

We chat with Leah, who lost her husband Clinton eight years ago to suicide, who shares her story and drive to educate the community on the subject.

Please note: This episode discusses death and suicide. This will be confronting for some people and listener discretion is advised. If this episode raises any issues for you, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

In this episode we cover:

• How death by suicide can be unexpected and signs aren’t always obvious.
• Dealing with the immediate shock after a death.
• Other people stepping in to make decisions after death.
• The critical role of family and friends helping to keep regular life happening, particularly when children are present.
• Drawing on your village of helpers, which can often come from unexpected places.
• The unhelpful phrases which can be triggering.
• Strength versus surviving after a loved one’s death.
• Some helpful tips for helping someone through grief.
• Family relationships following a death as everyone processes the situation differently.
• Celebrating someone’s life in meaningful ways.
• The role of workplaces to protect the mental health of workers.
• Community education around suicide.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• #Hashtag Death Instagram: @hashtag_death 
• Ways to work with Ingrid: forevernow.com.au
• Ingrid Reiger’s Facebook: @forevernowcelebrant
• Ingrid Reiger’s Instagram: @ingrid_forevernowcelebrant
• Lifeline: Lifeline
• Lifeline phone: 13 11 14

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