Suicide Grief: News & Comment

The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention’s Research Prioritization Task Force (RTF) is tasked with developing a national research agenda aimed at identifying research pathways to reduce morbidity and mortality by at least 20% in 5 years and 40% or greater in 10 years, if fully implemented. The RPTF is happy to announce that A Prioritized Research Agenda for Suicide Prevention: An Action Plan to Save Lives has now been made public and can be accessed electronically at www.suicide-research-agenda.org.
 
The RPTF research prioritization process has considered multiple approaches to prioritization. RTF began this process by seeking input from relevant stakeholders through an online survey and Delphi process.
 

Reports indicated that suicides in the U.S. military surged to a record number of 349 in 2013. This far exceeds the 295 American combat deaths in Afghanistan in 2012 and compares with 201 military suicides in 2011. While there exists a tremendous amount of research surrounding the act of suicide as well as its prevention, there is little research on those who are left behind by the suicide of a loved one, especially within the military community.

The purpose of this study will be to explore the relationship between bereavement, social support, stigma, primary appraisal, secondary appraisal and coping skills associated with female spousal suicide survivors in the military. With this information, therapist can be better equipped to serve this population.

Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. While there exists a tremendous amount of research surrounding the act of suicide as well as its prevention, there is little research on those who are left behind by the suicide of a loved one.

This research project seeks to gain a better understanding of this difficult and complex grief experience. Through a better understanding of grief after suicide, psychologists and other mental health professionals will be more able to assist individuals in the midst of this experience.

The survey will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. After you have completed the survey, you will have the opportunity to enter a raffle for one of three $50 Visa Gift Cards. In order to maintain your anonymity, your email address will be stored separately from your survey responses.

The Depression Support Coalition has developed a program of monthly informational talks by healthcare professionals and clergy to discuss depression and related diseases.  The September presenter is Fr. Charlie Lachowitzer.  The meeting will be held at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 4030 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, MN 55122.   Everyone is welcome to attend, regardless of religious affiliation.  For additional information, please call Anne Tiller - 651-454-2079.
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Are you a military family who is grieving the loss of a loved one?