After suicide: where have we been and where are we heading?

Abstract

Each year over 2000 Australians end their lives by suicide. Following each suicide, spouses, partners, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, daughters, sons, friends, extended family members, friends, mentors, and colleagues all commence a new chapter in their lives, lives devoid of the person now deceased. Internationally, and within Australia, researchers continue to find that those bereaved by the suicide death of a first degree relative are at increased risk of suicidal ideation, self-injurious behaviours and death by suicide. This risk is also evident among others associated with the deceased. Yet, so far there is no way of knowing the ways in which those connected to the deceased, but who are not traditionally thought of as bereaved (i.e. beyond the limits of first degree kinship), may react when faced with the suicide loss of a person to whom they were connected. Thus, to better address the needs of those in the Australian population at risk of suicide, and bereaved by suicide, it is vital that a way to define and identify these individuals is identified. This will result in providing support to those who require it in order to promote and maintain good health and longevity within this population. Understanding the realities of those who are affected by suicide death is vital for the entire field of suicidology - prevention, intervention and postvention. This presentation will review progress made thus far in the post suicide field and provide a vision for future directions.