Grief After Suicide: Understanding the Consequences and Caring for the Survivors

There are over 30,000 suicide deaths each year in the United States alone, and the numbers in other countries suggest that suicide as a cause of death will be around for the foreseeable future. A suicide leaves behind more victims than just the individual, as family, friends, co-workers, and the community can be impacted in many different and unique ways following a suicide. And yet there are very few professional resources that provide the necessary background, research, and tools to effectively work with the survivors of a suicide.This edited volume addresses the need for an up-to-date, professionally oriented summary of the clinical and research literature on the impact of suicide bereavement on survivors. It is geared towards mental health professionals, grief counselors, clergy, and others who work with survivors in a professional capacity. Topics covered include the impact of suicide on survivors, interventions to provide bereavement care for survivors, examples of promising support programs for survivors, and developing a research, clinical, and programmatic agenda for survivors over the next 5 years and beyond.

John R. Jordan, PhD, is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Wellesley, Massachusetts, and Pawtucket, Rhode Island, where he specializes in working with loss and bereavement. John L. McIntosh, PhD, is Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Professor of Psychology at Indiana University (IU) South Bend.