You may be referred for Bereavement Therapy by the SBLO Service or you can self-refer. You can also be referred by GP’s, Resource officers for Suicide Prevention (HSE), Public Health Nurses, Social Workers etc. You can set up appointments personally, except in the case of an under 18, who are required to have parental consent.
There is no time limit from when a death occurred for someone to access the service. For those needing support within 8 weeks of a loss our SBLO service will provide services. If further therapeutic intervention is required within 8 weeks the SBLO service can refer you to suicide bereavement therapy.
Grief does not follow a linear path; it does not always move in a forward direction. Therefore, Pieta’s suicide bereavement model is flexible as everyone’s journey can differ.
Children and Adolescents
We offer one to one professional counselling to children and adolescents who are bereaved by suicide. Like adults, they too can be greatly impacted by the loss of a loved one to suicide; they can search for understanding why and may have many unanswered questions about the death. Some children and adolescents can also worry about other family members or loved ones dying which is a normal part of the grieving process.
Pieta offers a safe space for children and adolescents to talk about how they feel about their loss and discuss any worries they may have. It can also give them an opportunity for their voices to be heard. It can take time for people to be able to adjust and manage their grief. We work from the Children’s First Guideline.
All Pieta centres provide suicide bereavement therapy, please call the centre nearest to you to book an appointment.
Some Help & Advice
What are the different bereavement services?
Pieta provide three types of bereavement services: Suicide bereavement liaison service (SBL), suicide bereavement therapy, and our helpline are on call 24 hours a day.
SBL Service
The SBL Service provides support and practical information immediately after a death by suicide. The SBLO can support from 48 hour after a loss through suicide.
Suicide Bereavement Therapy
Our therapists provide suicide bereavement therapy from eight weeks on, after a death by suicide.
Helpline
Over the phone counselling for those bereaved by suicide.
When is it time to get help?
Grief is painful and can be exhausting. It is not always easy to decide when is the right time for you to seek suicide bereavement support/therapy. You may find it helpful to receive extra help with your grief if you:
Continue to feel numb and empty some months after the death.
Cannot sleep or suffer nightmares for a period of time.
Feel you cannot handle intense feelings or physical sensations such as exhaustion, confusion, anxiety, chronic tension, or pain.
Feel overwhelmed by thoughts and feelings brought about by your loved ones death, such as guilt, anger, or rejection.
Have no one with whom to share your grief, though you may feel the need to do so.
Keep constantly active to keep your emotions at bay.
Find you may be drinking to excess or misusing drugs.
Find you are worrying or thinking about suicide yourself.
Feel afraid that those around you are vulnerable and not coping.
Why have the Gardai been in touch about this death?
In Ireland, it is a legal requirement that deaths from unnatural causes are reported to the local coroner. These are usually reported by the Gardai.
An Garda Siochana act as agents on behalf of the coroner to inquire into the circumstances of a death in order to establish the facts. In the course of these duties, it may be necessary for the Gardai to take statements for their report. A death certificate can only be issued by the Registrar of Deaths after the coroner has issued a Coroner’s Certificate. An interim death certificate can be issued which is accepted by the Department of Social and Family Affairs for bereavement entitlements and other benefit claims. The SBLO service can support you with this.
Will I always have this intense feeling?
With time and support, this intense feeling can reduce so you will be able to carry the memory of your loved one with you into the future as you move forward. When things seem bleak, it is important to live day to day. Remember that feelings don't always stay the same, and that help is always available when you need it.
For further help and advice see Our FAQ Section. If you are in immediate danger or a medical emergency please call Emergency Services on 112 or 999 now.