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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Is it normal to feel down when hearing about a suicide?

    Related Topics
    Depression Mental Health Suicide Prevention
    I suffer from depression where I wanted to commit suicide I got the help and been doing ok since but after reading about Charlotte Dawson committing suicide I am feeling really down I can not explain why.

    I feel this way, but I don't want to do any harm to myself but need to understand is this normal to feel like this after reading about this.
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    Dr Simon Easterbrook-Smith

    Health Professional

    My research interests include immunology and the mechanisms of amyloid formation. The latter has implications for people who are dealing with Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease … View Profile

    Yes, it is completely normal and healthy to feel upset under these circumstances.

    Please take gentle care of yourself while you work through your feelings.

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    Jeremy Barbouttis

    Counsellor, Hypnotherapist, Psychotherapist, Sex Therapist

    Jeremy is an expert in Hypnotherapy, Psychotherapy, Sex Therapy, Relationships & Addictions. Jeremy is a Clinical Supervisor with the Australian Hypnotherapists Association.Specialisations: Stop Smoking Hypnosis, … View Profile

    It can be normal to feel down, and you might be feeling emotions as a result your own experience with suicidal thoughts.

    If you are unsure of the feelings you are experiencing, it always wise to discuss them with an aproparite health professional. Making sense of your feelings is an important part of resolving them.




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    Darren Stops

    Counsellor, Educational and Developmental Psychologist, Psychologist, Psychotherapist

    For assistance with issues including: anxiety & depression, stress, coping & adjustment, personality & relationships sleep & health issues, separation, loss and trauma, post traumatic … View Profile

    Yes, this is absolutely normal, and I suspect a lot of people would be feeling the same.  The media coverage was quite distressing to anyone, and even more so to those who have experience of those feelings.

    Please take care, and get professional support if you feel need it.  The numbers on the link below are for crisis calls, but it may be helpful for you talk with someone by phone in any case.

    http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Suicide_Prevention_Crisis_Contacts.pdf

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