The impact of suicide bereavement on healthcare and community professionals

Abstract

Aim
Approximately 60,000 people are affected by suicide bereavement in Ireland each year. The aim of this study was to examine the impacts on wellbeing and help-seeking behaviour of healthcare and community professionals bereaved by suicide within their role.

Methods
This was a quantitative, secondary data analysis study of the Irish Suicide Bereavement Survey. Of the 2,413 respondents, 252 (10%) participants identified as healthcare professionals (n=135, 54%), community professionals (n=51, 20%), and first responders (n=66, 26%). Chi square tests were used to make comparisons between occupational groups for wellbeing, adverse impacts, supports accessed and barriers experienced.

Results
More than half of the professionals did not access any formal supports (n=130, 52%). There was a significant difference between the occupational groups for access to formal supports with fewer first responders accessing them (n=21, 32%) compared to community professionals (n=23, 45%) and healthcare professionals (n=78, 58%). First responders had the highest exposure to suicide in the workplace, with 70% (n=46) experiencing six or more suicide bereavements.

Discussion
These results signify the need for better access to postvention supports among professionals, particularly first responders who have a significant exposure to suicide in the workplace.