AROUND forty people have attended an emotional memorial service at Windmill Hill in Port Macquarie on Thursday, December 12 to remember loved ones lost to suicide.
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There have been a number of suicides in the region recently of people aged 25-45 years old.
The non-denominational service was organised by Lifeline Mid Coast.
"It was incredibly moving," said Lifeline's Lisa Willows.
"We had people who had recently lost someone to suicide and others who had lived with the grief for some time."
Suicide prevention manager at Lifeline Mid Coast Kelly Saidey said Christmas time can bring up " a lot of emotions" for those who have lost someone to suicide.
"Suicide grief is like grief on steroids," she said.
"It is a harder grief then normal grief.
"While there is no 'normal grief' with suicide grief there can be a lot of shame and asking why and what more could have been done.
"There is a lot more complexities."
Mrs Saidey said self-care is important at this time of year for those that have experienced bereavement.
"Just stepping back from social media, TV, even shopping malls where there are big family photos," she said.
"Also we encourage people to talk about their loved ones and having a little ritual, whether it is coming to a memorial service or having a special Christmas ornament dedicated to their loved one or saying cheers to that person when they are sitting down to Christmas lunch."
Lifeline Mid Coast ambassador Luke Anderson hopes his own life journey will show it is possible to move forward after a suicide.
Mr Anderson was just 19 years old when he lost his mother to suicide.
It led him on a path of uncertainty that almost cost him his life.
"Depression is something I've dealt with personally. Losing mum to suicide had a butterfly effect. It sent me off on a whole other journey around the world," he said.
"It left me in a couple of dark places throughout my life. About two years ago I had a severe motorbike accident that nearly took my life. I was very blessed to survive.
"That was my turning point I guess. I made a big decision to give away a six figure salary to look after myself and be more conscious and mindful of my actions.
"Realising that life is a beautiful thing and it is meant to be lived.
"Although adversity happens to look around you and look at other friends and families that you have, simple things, a variety of things, the birds singing."
Lifeline Mid Coast runs a bereavement group on the last Wednesday of every month.
"Anyone can come, you are not contracted to keep coming but it allows people to meet others and talk about what they are going through," said Mr Anderson.
For 24/7 crisis or suicide prevention support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
For more information about Lifeline's Bereavement Group call (02) 6581 2800 or email Kelly Saidey suicideprevention@lifelinemidcoast.org.au.
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