A resource to support those that have witnessed a suicide

Being at the scene of a suicide is incredibly shocking, and the effects of a close experience of suicide can be traumatic and life changing and can sometimes lead to a reduction in ability to function and work in day-to-day life. Thrive LDN, Grassroots, and The Support After Suicide Partnership have developed a booklet and a website called First Hand, which aims to support people through the lasting memories and emotions that stick with you following the suicide of someone you didn’t know.

This is an area that is often neglected and therefore is something that people who have experienced this can struggle to discuss openly. Both the booklet and website are practical guides with tips, suggestions, and exercises for coping with the physical and mental experiences that occur after witnessing a suicide. Whilst their guide talks about being affected by the suicide of someone you did not know, the content of First Hand can relate to many different situations, such as seeing the suicide happen, being first on the scene or hearing about someone’s suicide.

The guide goes through various people’s stories and breaks down each scenario to understand what happened, the process of what happens next, and to explain the possible mental and physical effects that someone may experience as a response to this trauma. First Hand provides brilliant practical tips for how to cope with flashbacks, how to know if you need more professional help, advice for attending an inquest and even advice for others on how to support someone who has seen a suicide.