Responding to in-patient suicide

A personal experience of in-patient suicide is detailed, and the process of and problems encountered by the staff in working through the tragedy are described. The responses are examined from the standpoint of bereavement theory and bereaved family systems. Many similarities are noted to exist, particularly with the documented responses of spouse survivors of suicide. Staff reactions are considered in terms of their emotional content and the support provided by organizational structure. The support required by the client group is also considered.