Adults mourning suicide: Self-reported concerns about bereavement, needs for assistance, and help-seeking behavior

This study empirically characterized the experiences of 227 adult next-of-k in as they mourned suicides that had occurred in New York City during 1997. Next-of-kin reported psychosocial problems including family difficulties, comorbid stressors, psychiatric symptomatology, and unresolved bereavement. Professional intervention was the most frequently reported need and the mo st frequently reported type of desired help. In terms of actual receipt of assistance, participants reported having received help from families, frien ds, and communities as well as from professionals. Although some next-of-ki n had not sought help because they felt able to cope without assistance, ot hers encountered barriers to receiving desired help. These findings warrant increased and sustained community outreach to this population. Recommendat ions include public education regarding de-stigmatization of suicide and th e needs of the suicidally bereaved, enhancement of internal and external co ping supports, facilitation of access to both professional and community he lp, and better coordinated and more culturally appropriate services.