Experiences of family members after a suicide

Survivors of suicide are the family members and significant others in the life of the person who commits suicide. A recent study by the author explored the life experiences of survivors of suicide, affirmed the severity of postsuicide bereavement, and revealed the critical role of the family physician in intervention.

Thirty-five adult survivors participated in in-depth audiotaped interviews during the 3- to 9-month period after the suicide death of a family member. Demographic data and the transcribed interview data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and systematic methods of qualitative data analysis.

Subjects stressed the importance of the family physician understanding the nature of their experiences in order to intervene effectively. All survivors experienced profound disruptions in their lives, including changes in physical, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning. Variations among survivors of suicide, based on the survivor's perception of the victim before his or her death, were evident and are illustrated by three case studies. Interventions for the family physician, including specific suggestions from survivors, are proposed.

Survivors of suicide experience a very severe bereavement, yet significant variations exist among their responses. The family physician is identified as the key individual to initiate and ensure follow-up care for this bereaved population.