Presentation Information
[O-7-04]No One Is to Blame: Understanding Suicide Loss - Helping the Bereaved and Reducing Stigma in Clinical Practice
*Rachel Gibbons (Royal College of Psychiatrists(UK))
Keywords:
Suicide,Suicide loss,Bereavement,Trauma,Blame
Presenter: Dr. Rachel Gibbons, Royal College of Psychiatrists, London, UK
Learning Objective:
To equip clinicians with strategies to support those bereaved by suicide and reduce stigma, enhancing clinical engagement with affected families.
Abstract:
Suicide bereavement profoundly impacts individuals, triggering intense emotional turmoil, guilt, and a pervasive sense of blame. Despite its prevalence, suicide loss remains underexplored, leaving gaps in understanding and support. Clinicians play a vital role in mitigating this distress, addressing the stigma surrounding suicide, and fostering recovery among the bereaved.Drawing on my experience working with over 1,500 cases of suicide bereavement and insights from my paper, “Someone is to Blame: The Impact of Suicide on the Mind of the Bereaved (Including Clinicians)”, this presentation examines the psychodynamics of suicide loss. It combines clinical observations, support group findings, and research to offer an integrated understanding of how delusional narratives of blame affect those left behind.The analysis reveals a recurring pattern of self-blame and perceived responsibility among the bereaved, significantly affecting their mental health and increasing the risk of suicidality. These narratives not only exacerbate psychological pain but also hinder recovery and perpetuate stigma.This session will outline practical, evidence-based strategies for clinicians to address these harmful narratives, support bereaved individuals, and promote psychological resilience. Emphasis will be placed on open, compassionate engagement and the psychodynamic underpinnings of these responses.By fostering a clinical culture that reinforces the understanding that no one is to blame for another’s suicide, we can help the bereaved heal, reduce stigma, and improve care outcomes.
Ref: Gibbons, R., 2024. Someone is to blame: the impact of suicide on the mind of the bereaved (including clinicians). BJPsych bulletin, pp.1-5.
Learning Objective:
To equip clinicians with strategies to support those bereaved by suicide and reduce stigma, enhancing clinical engagement with affected families.
Abstract:
Suicide bereavement profoundly impacts individuals, triggering intense emotional turmoil, guilt, and a pervasive sense of blame. Despite its prevalence, suicide loss remains underexplored, leaving gaps in understanding and support. Clinicians play a vital role in mitigating this distress, addressing the stigma surrounding suicide, and fostering recovery among the bereaved.Drawing on my experience working with over 1,500 cases of suicide bereavement and insights from my paper, “Someone is to Blame: The Impact of Suicide on the Mind of the Bereaved (Including Clinicians)”, this presentation examines the psychodynamics of suicide loss. It combines clinical observations, support group findings, and research to offer an integrated understanding of how delusional narratives of blame affect those left behind.The analysis reveals a recurring pattern of self-blame and perceived responsibility among the bereaved, significantly affecting their mental health and increasing the risk of suicidality. These narratives not only exacerbate psychological pain but also hinder recovery and perpetuate stigma.This session will outline practical, evidence-based strategies for clinicians to address these harmful narratives, support bereaved individuals, and promote psychological resilience. Emphasis will be placed on open, compassionate engagement and the psychodynamic underpinnings of these responses.By fostering a clinical culture that reinforces the understanding that no one is to blame for another’s suicide, we can help the bereaved heal, reduce stigma, and improve care outcomes.
Ref: Gibbons, R., 2024. Someone is to blame: the impact of suicide on the mind of the bereaved (including clinicians). BJPsych bulletin, pp.1-5.