The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), have developed an evidence-based resource, Preventing Suicide: How to Start a Suicide Bereavement Support Group, to support those wishing to facilitate a suicide bereavement support group. Drawing on scientific literature as well as the experiences of suicide-bereaved individuals, facilitators, and members of the IASP Special Interest Group on Suicide Bereavement and Postvention, the resource provides practical guidance and best-practice recommendations for creating safe and supportive spaces for people grieving after suicide.
According to the WHO, more than 720,000 people die by suicide each year, making it one of the leading causes of death globally. Behind each number is a network of loved ones affected by grief, trauma, and loss, making suicide bereavement one of the most devastating life events. People who have lost someone to suicide, also known as “suicide loss survivors” or “people bereaved by suicide”, often struggle with intense feelings of sadness, guilt and anger. They have an increased risk of psychosocial problems, suicidal behaviour, and often receive insufficient social support.
Suicide bereavement support groups may provide a safe space where people bereaved by suicide can share their grief and find support from peers and/or professionals. This provides an opportunity to break the silence and reduce the stigma surrounding suicide. Support groups can also serve as a source of information about suicide and bereavement, and participants can find a sense of belonging through these groups. Experiences from around the globe indicate the beneficial effects of such support groups, though guidance regarding organising such a support group is scarce.
This evidence-based resource aims to address this gap by providing support and guidance to anyone wanting to initiate and facilitate a suicide bereavement support group. The information in this resource is based on literature as well as the experiences of suicide-bereaved people, support group facilitators, and members of the IASP Special Interest Group (SIG) on Suicide Bereavement and Postvention, regarding best practice in facilitating a support group for people bereaved by suicide. The resource notes that support groups may not suit everyone, and it emphasises the importance of seeking professional support. However, support groups can certainly complement professional help by providing a sense of community and belonging to those bereaved by suicide.
“The recommendations in this booklet will provide invaluable support to anyone who is organising or facilitating a suicide bereavement support group”, said Dr Karl Andriessen, Co-Chair of the IASP SIG on Suicide Bereavement and Postvention.
As global mental health needs continue to rise, this resource provides evidence-informed direction to help communities build compassionate and accessible support systems for those facing the profound impact of suicide loss. It also supports one of the essential pillars of suicide prevention, which is providing adequate support to people bereaved by suicide.
Read more: Preventing suicide: how to start a suicide bereavement support group
