Abstract
Objectives
Older adults bereaved by suicide face unique challenges, including heightened stigma, trauma, and isolation, often compounded by limited social support. This study explores professionals’ perspectives on supporting older adults bereaved by suicide, addressing a critical gap in public health.
Method
Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with professionals, including bereavement support workers, healthcare providers, and suicide prevention specialists. Data were analysed using a reflexive, inductive thematic approach.
Results
Four key themes emerged: (1) navigating the complexities of traumatic loss by suicide in later life, (2) the role of community and family support in grief management, (3) professional roles and challenges in providing support, and (4) opportunities for community engagement and meaning-making. Findings emphasise the need for community-centred, culturally sensitive bereavement care that empowers older adults to navigate grief openly.
Conclusion
Reducing stigma around suicide, recognising the impact of traumatic loss, and addressing factors that exacerbate grief are crucial to supporting mental health in older adults bereaved by suicide. Integrating bereavement support into community spaces and offering peer-support options can help alleviate isolation and trauma. Health and social care policies should prioritise improving access to services and promoting an inclusive and trauma-informed approach that meets the unique needs of this population.
Older adults bereaved by suicide face unique challenges, including heightened stigma, trauma, and isolation, often compounded by limited social support. This study explores professionals’ perspectives on supporting older adults bereaved by suicide, addressing a critical gap in public health.
Method
Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with professionals, including bereavement support workers, healthcare providers, and suicide prevention specialists. Data were analysed using a reflexive, inductive thematic approach.
Results
Four key themes emerged: (1) navigating the complexities of traumatic loss by suicide in later life, (2) the role of community and family support in grief management, (3) professional roles and challenges in providing support, and (4) opportunities for community engagement and meaning-making. Findings emphasise the need for community-centred, culturally sensitive bereavement care that empowers older adults to navigate grief openly.
Conclusion
Reducing stigma around suicide, recognising the impact of traumatic loss, and addressing factors that exacerbate grief are crucial to supporting mental health in older adults bereaved by suicide. Integrating bereavement support into community spaces and offering peer-support options can help alleviate isolation and trauma. Health and social care policies should prioritise improving access to services and promoting an inclusive and trauma-informed approach that meets the unique needs of this population.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1676-1684 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Aging & Mental Health |
| Volume | 29 |
| Issue number | 9 |
| Early online date | 24 Feb 2025 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - 30 Sept 2025 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Data Access Statement
The data that support the findings of this study are available at the University of Strathclyde, repository and available on reasonable request from the first author. The data are not publicly available due to privacy and ethical restrictions. The study passed ethical committee review from University [Ref: UEC21/10].Funding
The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This study was funded by a small grant at the University of Strathclyde awarded to the second author [THL].
| Funders | Funder number |
|---|---|
| University of Strathclyde |
Keywords
- Suicide
- ageing
- mental health
- trauma
- bereavement
- Attitude of Health Personnel
- Bereavement
- Humans
- Middle Aged
- Social Support
- Male
- Health Personnel/psychology
- Suicide/psychology
- Female
- Aged
- Social Stigma
- Qualitative Research
