Dr Justin Coulson: Parenting expert’s heartbreak as his nephew takes his own life aged 20: The devastating moment surfer was found dead – and the gut-wrenching call to his parents who were on holiday

Parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson revealed a family tragedy on Tuesday: his beloved nephew Logan, who loved surfing, committed suicide, aged just 20.

In harsh words on social media, Dr Coulson said: “My nephew died on Sunday evening. He committed suicide.

Logan was staying with Dr. Coulson’s parents the night he committed suicide. “My mom and dad – his grandmother and my dad – found him Monday morning,” he wrote.

After realizing what had just happened, the grandparents then had to call their daughter – Logan’s mother – to tell her the terrible news.

She was in Melbourne with her husband, celebrating a special weekend, and they had to tell her she had to come home because her son had just died.

Dr Coulson (pictured), who hosts Channel Nine’s Parental Guidance, said his nephew was “the most energetic and charming child I know”. Kind. Amusing. Laugh all the time’

Dr Coulson, who hosts Channel Nine’s Parental Guidance, said his nephew was “the most energetic and charming child I know”. Kind. Amusing. I laugh all the time.

He said his children loved spending time with their cousin Logan and he did too.

“We surfed together in Kirra last year when the surf was as good as it could be,” he wrote. “Surfing was his thing…so much so that he was close to being a pro.”

The psychologist detailed the horrific moment his parents found their grandson’s body.

He said it was “too late to help.” Too late to do anything but shout “No”.

“Too late for him to hear them as they screamed his name over and over: “Logan! Logan! Logan! Logan!” “No no No No No!!!!”‘

Dr. Coulson asked, “How do you hold your grandson’s body for the last time?” That’s what my parents did Monday morning.

He then spoke about what he called “the ripple effect…as each new person discovers the horrible truth.”

“Logan is dead?” How? Suicide? No! Not Logan! How is it possible ? He was so happy. No! Please no.’

Logan left a message, but Dr. Coulson said it “won’t bring anyone peace or relief… Because he’s dead.”

He wrote emotionally and honestly about how he felt, saying he wasn’t doing very well.

” My heart is broken. Broken for Logan. But also for his parents, his brothers and sisters, and for my parents.

In harsh words on social media, Dr Coulson said: “My nephew died on Sunday evening. He committed suicide. Logan is pictured

Logan (pictured) loved surfing and was so good he was about to turn professional

Dr Coulson, however, said he was not looking for sympathy and his Facebook post was not about that.

Instead, he said he wanted people to know some facts about suicide in this country.

“There are nine suicides every day in Australia,” he wrote. “Seven of these nine daily suicides are men. Two of these nine are women.

He said suicide is the leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 24 and 36 percent of deaths in this age group are suicides.

“Suicide is a complex problem and it is rare for a single factor to lead someone to take their own life,” he wrote.

Dr Coulson highlighted what can be done to help, saying strong social connections reduce the risk of suicide.

He asked people, “Please, please, please, PLEASE be kind.” Be compassionate. Be nice. Be inclusive. Be supportive. Be less critical and judgmental and more of a cheerleader.

“Don’t be on your child’s back (or your partner’s/spouse’s back). Instead, make sure you support them. Love them and make sure they know it. They need to know that they matter.

Logan (pictured right) is remembered as “nice.” Amusing. Laugh all the time’

Dr Coulson also said people should stop saying “I have no words” when faced with tragic news, even if the use of the phrase is well-intentioned.

He said that last week on his Happy Families podcast he spoke with Colin Campbell, the author of a book called Finding the Words, which he wrote after his two teenage children died in an accident car.

“Colin points out that when we say ‘there are no words’ we are, in a sense, reducing the person’s life to nothing.

“We must find the words, because the words we find tell the stories of those we love. And these stories help us celebrate their lives and our love for them,” he said.

Dr Coulson advised people to share their stories, feel their pain and value their experiences. ‘Find. THE. Words. They are there. And we have to share them,” he said.

His friend, Gus Worland, who directed the ABC series Man Up, which is about male suicide, called him while he was sitting at his table and crying.

“I had sent a message and he came to get me,” he wrote, recommending his Gotcha4Life charity and his mental fitness plan, which he says is “life-saving”.

The psychologist said his children loved spending time with their cousin Logan (pictured) and so did he.

He said after speaking with Worland, he spoke with his brother, two of his sisters, his mother, his father and then two friends.

Then two family friends brought dinner for his family, which they really enjoyed, but they appreciated it even more that they stayed and chatted with them for an hour.

“And in between all those conversations, I talked with my wife, Kylie, and our kids,” he said.

“Everyone needs someone to talk to. Everyone needs to know that they matter. Everyone needs to feel seen, heard and valued.

Dr. Coulson then made what he considered a simple point. “If you are struggling, or if someone close to you is struggling, talk to someone. A parent. A friend. Call Lifeline. Contact Beyond Blue, Gotcha4Life, or the Movember Foundation…

“Talk with a local church leader, a trusted neighbor, someone. Reach. Tell people they matter.

Dr Coulson ended his powerful message about suicide, grief and the power of words by saying: “I miss Logan.” Logan is pictured

He ended his powerful message about suicide, grief and the power of words by saying, “I miss Logan. Please hug your children. Kiss your husband/wife/spouse/partner.

“And share this message and this love with everyone who needs to know how much they matter.”

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Suicide call-back service: 1300 659 467

Mensline Australia: 1300 789 987

Children’s helpline: 1800 55 1800