Death by Suicide - Term Paper Example

? Death by Suicide Death by Suicide Introduction Approximately thirty three thousand people commit suicide annually in the United States of America while trauma caused by these deaths is an experience by an estimated six or more “suicide survivors”. In this case, “suicide survivors” concern people that have lost their loved ones leaving them with grief and struggle (Norlander, 2001). Apparently, the process of grieving is constantly difficult, through the loss caused by suicide it has proved to be unique due to its complexity and traumatic experience involved. In this case, people involved in this case require significant support compared to those that have experienced the form of death (Lukas & Seiden, 2007). Nonetheless, this notion has been backed by numerous notions such as the difficulty of contemplating the occurrence of the suicide experience; in fact, some survivors appear to be reluctant in divulging that the death was self-inflicted. In addition, there is a complication involved when other people realize that occurrence of death was self-inflicted, thereby making it difficult to assist the survivors (Kastenbaum, 2011). Therefore, this perception makes the experience after suicides to be different, though there are numerous ways through which the bereaved can be assisted. Nevertheless, this paper will focus on analyzing the uniqueness of caring for “suicide survivors”, thereby identifying complicating factors, determining the way care givers can assist “suicide survivors” and their extent of dealing with this situation. Complicating Factors Some of the complicating factors of deaths by suicide are such as the recurring thoughts regarding death, which replay the final moment in a bid to understand the incidence; in fact, the survivors are unable to stop thinking about this incidence (Cobain & Larch, 2006). In this case, this may end up with the development of a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety disorder, which may result into chronic if not addressed. Therefore, PTSD becomes a complicating factor due to the involuntary re-lived intrusive images, which cause anxiety. The other factor includes a feeling of stigma, shame, and isolation, whereby survivors are secreted by members of their community and members of other families (Cox, 2003). In this case, a substantial stigma is attached to the process of mental illness; for instance, there are religions, which have subjected a significant condemnation of suicide as an act of sins, thereby making “suicide survivors” reluctant in disclosing the issues regarding this form of death (Cox, 2003). There are disparities regarding the way various families discuss issues pertaining suicide, even to the extent that some are uncomfortable in disclosing the issues. In this case, they may make a decision of not disclosing the case outside, and this becomes a complicating factor. The other complicating factor involves mixed emotions, whereby survivors lack a person to direct their anger to since the victim in the perpetrator. In this case, this causes a severe collision of emotions since those that die as a result of suicide appear to be mentally ill or living in an intolerable situation. Moreover, the act of committing suicide is considered an assault or rejection to “suicide survivors” (Cobain & Larch, 2006). Therefore, there are complications involved as the situation evokes a feeling of anger, rejection, and being abandoned that occurs in situations of suicide deaths. Another confusing factor involves a feeling of self-condemnation and self-punishing, which is irrational for the “suicide survivors” due to their inability to predict death or intervene before its occurrence (Cox, 2003). Apparently, in these situations caregivers may overestimate their effort to deal with the problem and capability of influencing the results. In this case, suicide proofs to have a greater impact than it was expected, and it may lead to complications; for instance, suicide survivors may request for an autopsy to be conducted in order to facilitate the development of arguments that make sense to them (Cobain & Larch, 2006). Another complicating factor may arise in a situation where a person has a terminal illness and decides to commit suicide in order to acquire control, which hastens the end of his or her life (Cox, 2003). Under this circumstance, suicide is not understood by “suicide survivors” since this becomes an act attributed to a mixture of grief, relief, and guilt. In this case, this leads to complications, which make the grieving process unusual. On the other hand, this evokes another complication regarded as a risk for survivor, whereby “suicide survivors” are subjected to the increased risk of contemplating about the incidence and they may also decide, plan or even attempt to commit suicide (Cox, 2003). Nonetheless, after the death of a loved one, there is an aspect of peculiarity for “suicide survivors”; “suicide survivors” wish death; in fact, even if they do, this is not an indication that they will act upon their wish. However, with the persistence of this feeling, it may intensify leading to the act of committing suicide. During situations when the aftermath of a suicide death is sudden, violent, or unanticipated, this may lead to complications depending on the situation (Cox, 2003). For instance, some cases lead to the involvement of police, handling or inquiring from the press about the case (Cox, 2003). Apparently, this situation tends to complicate the recovery process due to the shock as the survivors are asked whether they are willing to visit the death scene. Support for Survivors According to Norlander (2001) there is a significant challenge in dealing with survivors of death by suicide, though it finally pays off. In this case, this process requires caregivers to be prepared in order to offer a primer, which can be considered practical and insightful, and this process requires meeting emotional needs through the relief of suffering. Norlander (2001) explains that caregivers focus on comforting “suicide survivors” through delivery a holistic and effective care. In order to identify the limits of what they are able to do in this situation, there is a need to focus on assessment and technical skills that are required by caregivers. For instance, there is a need to assess the impact caused by the incidence to the survivors in order to identify the basis on which health care teams can provide the required comfort. Moreover, there is a need to advocate effort focusing on the complex role of representing these survivors and providing significant steps, which accomplish the role of advocacy (Norlander, 2001). Kastenbaum (2011) argues that caregiver requires knowledge acquired through death education, whereby they can attain an interdisciplinary approach that can facilitate understanding of death and the process involved. Besides, they can also reflect upon their experience with death, which provides a basis for drawing understanding from the contribution of humanities, social, and behavioral sciences. Moreover, this can facilitate individual and societal perceptions regarding the impact of suicide death and the way “suicide survivors” can live with the knowledge regarding their loss. Kastenbaum (2011) suggests caregivers should narrate stories of real people who are engaged in the pursuit of coping with difficulties caused by suicide by death. Death by suicide is a subject that has raised a great concern due to the extent of bereavement and grief involved; thus, there is a need to offer significant perception of the connection with death to members of the society. Therefore, Kastenbaum (2011) approaches these issues from the perspective of individual and societal attitudes, which have a substantial influence on the process of dealing with the loss. On the other hand, “suicide survivors” can be urged to be engaged in a group with a similar kinship relationship. In fact, this can assist them in sharing experiences about people that have lost their loved ones (Lukas & Seiden, 2007). Moreover, these groups offer support, which can facilitate mental health; for instance, “suicide survivors” are offered an environment, where they can feel comfortable and safe, thereby encouraging them to open up. Furthermore, in this environment there is no possibility of being judged since the leaders of these groups may also be suicide survivors (Lukas & Seiden, 2007). Therefore, members of these groups may feel comfortable, and this facilitates the recovery process. Care givers have been utilizing the Internet to offer assistance to “suicide survivors”, whereby they are offered unlimited time and availability of their support through the Internet. For instance, according to a study undertaken in 2008, survivors, who suffered from depression and stigma after suicide were increasingly assisted through Internet services. In addition, the use of technology to assist “suicide survivors” has been facilitating the process of reaching out to people in remote locations. There are ethical issues involved in the process of dealing with the cases of death by suicide, which emanate from the advancement in care planning (Norlander, 2001). In this case, caregivers are expected to intervene while bearing the understanding of the multidimensional perceptions, which makes it difficult for “suicide survivors” to understand the situation. Furthermore, there is a need to acknowledge the fact that suffering should be evaluated routinely; thus, the caregivers should have necessary tools to conduct the assessment. In addition, the caregivers take the role of preparing the “suicide survivors” in the process of bereavement, whereby they are offered necessary consolation to support them as they deal with the loss. References Cobain B. & Larch, J. (2006). Dying to be free: A health guide for families after a suicide. Center City, MN: Hazelden Foundation. Cox, A. (2003). Aftershock: Help, hope, and healing in the wake of suicide. Nashville, TN: B & H Publishing. Kastenbaum, J. (2011). Death, society and human experience (11 ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall PTR. Lukas, C. & Seiden, H. (2007). Silent grief: living in the wake of suicide. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Norlander, L. (2001). To comfort always: A nurse's guide to end of life care. Silver Spring, MD: American Nurses Pub. Read More