Interventions for suicide survivors

Abstract

The grief of relatives and close ones who have lost a family member to suicide differs from grief due to other causes. The great emotional impact, the stigma, the feelings of shame and guilt, the incomprehension of the event and the ruminative thoughts focused on seeking an explanation mean that the course of grief does not follow the phases of normal grief. The loss of a loved one to suicide has physical and psychological consequences for the rest of the family and increases the suicide risk of another member. It affects intra- and extra-family relationships and academic and occupational performance. The course of grief will depend on each individual case, but factors such as the relationship with the deceased, farewell messages, the method used or the possibility of receiving support will influence the process. After receiving such traumatic news, relatives initially seek support in their closest circle; this support becomes insufficient and they require the care of mental health professionals. It is therefore essential that professionals are trained in this field and are aware of the distinctive features of suicide grief compared with normal grief.