The Silencing Effect of Stigma for Families Bereaved by Suicide

Abstract

Stigma is a well-recognised feature across the spectrum of suicide prevention, intervention and postvention. This applies to the ways in which suicide is understood at the general community level, within the helping professions, and by those touched by suicide through attempts or the loss of a loved one. While there is considerable documentation about stigma and the role stigma plays in suicide, the ways in which family members experience stigma is not well understood in the research literature. On the contrary those bereaved through suicide know well the impact that stigma plays in their lives following the death of their loved one, friend, colleague or client. This paper will challenge the broader suicide field to consider the ways in which postvention is stigmatised above and beyond suicide in general. Using the experiences of families bereaved through suicide to understand this issue, the silencing effect that stigma plays will be explored to better understand the influence this has on those bereaved through suicide, those providing support to this population and the broader need to recognise the role of postvention generally in reducing stigma for those left behind.