title: Suicide bereavement and complicated grief.
abstract: Losing a loved to suicide is one is one of life's most painful experiences. The feelings of loss, sadness, and loneliness experienced after any death of a loved one are often magnified in suicide survivors by feelings of quilt, confusion, rejection, shame, anger, and the effects of stigma and trauma. Furthermore, survivors of suicide loss are at higher risk of developing major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal behaviors, as well as a prolonged form of grief called complicated grief. Added to the burden is the substantial stigma, which can keep survivors away from much needed support and healing resources. Thus, survivors may require unique supportive measures and targeted treatment to cope with their loss. After a brief description of the epidemiology and circumstances of suicide, we review the current state of research on suicide bereavement, complicated grief in suicide survivors, and grief treatment for survivors of suicide.
authors: Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.
authors: Ilanit
authors: I
authors: Tal Young
authors: Alana
authors: A
authors: Iglewicz
authors: Danielle
authors: D
authors: Glorioso
authors: Nicole
authors: N
authors: Lanouette
authors: Kathryn
authors: K
authors: Seay
authors: Manjusha
authors: M
authors: Ilapakurti
authors: Sidney
authors: S
authors: Zisook
mesh_terms: D000275:Adjustment Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D001601:Bereavement; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D006117:Grief; D006801:Humans; D008132:Loneliness; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology*; D017741:Survivors