The ripple effects of suicide: a personal account of dealing with the death of an adult sibling

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to offer an opinion piece that documents the experience of losing an adult sibling to suicide and explores the experience of personal and family grief. Design/methodology/approach This narrative is written from an autoethnographic perspective and uses the current evidence base to support a personal reflection. Findings This paper identifies the complex nature of bereavement following death from suicide and considers those factors that support more positive outcomes for those grieving. Research limitations/implications This piece focuses on autoethnographic data but is supported by findings from the wider evidence base. Practical implications The importance of seeking positives as part of the healing process when processing complex grief. Social implications Disclosure has been identified as an important part of processing complex grief associated with suicide bereavement and yet suicide remains a taboo subject for many. Originality/value This autoethnographic piece details the experience of dealing with a sibling suicide and the importance of creating the opportunity for positive reflection to process complex grief.