Lifeline WA is proud to present a series of free 8 week support groups for suicide attempt survivors as a collaboration between mental health professionals and lived experience peers.
The Eclipse Support Groups offer participants an opportunity to connect with a Lifeline WA Crisis Supporter and a lived experience peer supporter to develop skills to improve the ability to cope with suicidal thoughts and feelings.
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If you are in crisis now or need to talk:
In an emergency call 000 or call Lifeline on 13 11 14, available 24/7.
What is Eclipse?
Our Eclipse Survivors of Suicide Attempt Support Groups have been adapted from a support group model developed and sponsored by the Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Centre in Los Angeles, USA. This approach for working with people who have attempted suicide has been shared more than 1,200 times with mental health professionals in 50 states in the USA and 30 countries outside of the USA, and has now been adapted for the Australian context.
The sessions are facilitated by a Lifeline WA Telephone Crisis Supporter and a lived experience peer supporter. During the program you will have the opportunity to:
- connect with peers who have had similar lived experience
- reduce internalised/perceived stigma
- increase comfort with and ability to speak about the thoughts and feelings which led to suicide attempt
- increase coping skills in relation to suicidal thoughts
"The group grounded me and this helped me cope with life events." - 2019 group member
Groups are typically composed of eight to ten people who have survived a suicide attempt. The same people will be in the group for the entire eight weeks; it is not a ‘drop-in’ group. This allows group members to develop safe, secure bonds with each other, facilitating more open discussion.
Eligibility criteria
Adults aged 18 and over who have survived a suicide attempt or attempts are eligible for the group where they:
- Can safely listen to and discuss thoughts and feelings about suicide (please note this is not a therapy group and details of attempts will not be discussed in group)
- Are committed to and available to attend all sessions of the 8-week group
- Will be available for an initial 20-minute assessment
- Are motivated to participate in the group and practice new skills outside of group
- Are committed to creating and using a safety plan to stay safe
- Are engaged with a mental health professional or G.P.
The groups are not suitable for:
- People currently experiencing acute psychosis
- People who are unable to attend the group sober
- People who may find it distressing or triggering to discuss suicide in a group setting
- People receiving care or case management from a Community Mental Health Team for less than four weeks
- People receiving care in a mental health inpatient setting
Why should I consider taking part?
The time after a suicide attempt can be very confusing and filled with lots of conflicting emotions. Typically, the pain and problems that lead a person to consider suicide are still present and are compounded by reactions of family and friends. Many attempt survivors feel embarrassed, ashamed or guilty about their attempt. Some feel angry that they are still alive. Others are grateful that they survived and are determined to find the reasons they are still here.
Because of the stigma associated with suicide, many suicide attempt survivors feel very alone and don’t know where to turn. Talking with others who have similar experiences can be an important part of healing after a suicide attempt. Lifeline WA’s Eclipse Support Groups offer a safe, non-judgmental place for people to talk about the feelings that led them to attempt suicide and to talk about the impact that their attempt had on their lives.
"The group was very helpful. I loved seeing people’s personal growth through the program." - 2019 group member
Group meetings provide a time for members to discuss the challenges and successes that they are facing following their suicide attempt. Members can share stories and strategies for survival. The facilitators will lead discussions to help members better recognise what led to their suicide attempt and incorporate other ways to relieve the pain that may have led to their attempt.
How to participate:
- Contact Lifeline WA Reception on 08 9261 4444 for more information
- Complete a short Application Form (please note these are confidential and if you decide not to participate in a group your details will not be retained by Lifeline WA)
- Email your completed application form to reception@lifelinewa.org.au or mail to GPO Box K765, Perth, WA 6842
If you are in crisis now or need to talk:
In an emergency call 000 or call Lifeline on 13 11 14, available 24/7.