Grief Reactions in the Suicide Bereaved

Suicide bereavement is common, can be life-altering, and has both societal and intergenerational implications and effects. Despite the fact that every bereaved person’s grief is unique, grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide adds layers of complexity to what can be an already profoundly painful experience. Suicide bereavement often is characterized by prominent symptoms of overwhelming guilt, confusion, shame, rejection, and anger. The experience of suicide bereavement is also often steeped in the context of stigma. Many aspects of suicide bereavement add to its complexity and set it apart from bereavement in general. This chapter will focus on these factors, delineating the unique context, qualitative features, sequelae, and treatment considerations for suicide bereavement.