Abstract
Suicide exposure is common and affects a plethora of people including family members, friends, and coworkers. Suicide bereavement is intricate and involves a variety of symptoms that are not common with all types of grief including: shame, guilt, isolation, rejection, trauma, and suicidal ideation. The complexities of suicide bereavement may lead to the development or exacerbation of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The grieving period is often extended for years. Suicide bereavement is frequently complicated by stigma and changes in relationships due to insensitivity or avoidance. Suicide survivors express the need for recognition of their fluctuating supportive needs, easier access to resources, connections with other survivors (i.e., often in support groups), and individual therapy. Expected responses, ideas for treatment planning, and tips for counselors are outlined in this review of current literature, but research on interventions for suicide loss survivors is finite. More research is needed to support this population regarding interventions, multicultural perspectives, and the experiences of other marginalized groups.
Date of Award
Winter 12-18-2024
Document Type
Capstone Paper
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Counselor Education - Graduate Studies
First Advisor
Anquinetta Calhoun
Location
Winona, Minnesota
Recommended Citation
Piringer, Kristen O. and Piringer, Kristen O., "Exploring the Complexities of Suicide Loss: Evaluating Bereavement Experiences, Survivor Needs, and Implications for Counselors" (2024). Counselor Education Capstones. 200.
https://openriver.winona.edu/counseloreducationcapstones/200
