Psychological Distress Among Suicide Exposed and Subsequently Bereaved Carers

Abstract

People bereaved by suicide are at risk of developing significant mental health issues, including the risk of self-harm. To understand suicide exposure and psychological factors contributing to these adverse outcomes, survey data from 92 participants (Meanage = 53.50 years, SD = 14.5, female = 83.7%) who had provided care to someone who subsequently died by suicide were used. Participants responded to questions relating to suicide exposure, bereavement, suicidal ideation and psychological distress. A hierarchical regression analysis found that the perceived impact of suicide death and one's own suicidal ideation explained 46% variance in psychological distress. Suicide bereaved carers are highly distressed and are at heightened risk of self-harm. Therefore, targeted support and postvention services for individuals who have previously cared for someone who subsequently died by suicide are needed due to their repeated exposure to suicide. As these individuals are often in contact with mental health services prior to the person's death, these connections with mental health nurses should be used for identifying those at greater risk and initiating early support.