A literature review is reported which describesand assessesthe effectiveness of interventions for family members bereaved by suicide, incorporating qualitative findings regarding participants’ views on what ishelpful. A range of interventions are reported to be helpful, and peer support is highly valued. Methodological limitations and questions regarding the generalisability of the findings areraised, as well as ideas for future research.
The experiences of patient suicide in mental health professionals are explored using semi structured interviews with 9 adult mental health professionals in two counties of North Wales. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis reveals6 themes: emotional impact on the self, being logical: making sense of suicide, impact in the workplace, unhelpful responses in the workplace, helpful responses and sources of support, and philosophy of mental health care. All participants reported being affected by patient suicides at a personal and professional level. Peer support and contact with patient family were reported as helpful, whilst poor communication and a focus on formal and legal issues was unhelpful and increased feelings of anxiety and isolation.The findings from this study support previous research and highlight specific issues for supporting professionals.
The findings from both papers are discussed in terms of their contribution to research, theory, and clinical practice. Ideas for future research and improving the support offered to families and professionals bereaved by suicide are considered, and personal reflections on the process of carrying out this thesis are offered.