Traumatised suicide bereaved neglected by Govt – Neville

Fine Gael Deputy Health Spokesperson, Dan Neville TD, has said today (Tuesday) that those bereaved by suicide suffered exceptional trauma and accused the Government of neglecting this most vulnerable group.

“Many voluntary suicide bereaved groups do excellent work but I believe that the Health Minister must make a commitment towards the development of suicide bereavement counselling. She should also resource research to advance the knowledge of the special trauma suicide inflicts on family and friends of victims. Bereavement groups as well as individuals should have available from the State professional suicide bereavement counselling from professionals who have specialised training in the area.

“Where suicide is involved, there is a tendency for the bereaved to place blame on themselves, however misplaced, especially if there was conflict before hand. Another common reaction in the aftermath of suicide is anger. The apparent deliberate nature of suicide focuses on anger on the deceased for his or her wilful desertion. There can be a feeling that the deceased had the last word in the quarrel. The suicide bereaved often searches for a scapegoat. If the victim had been in psychotherapy the therapist is the obvious choice. If he was under medical care, the doctor may be blamed and if the victim was an alcoholic, this may be blamed.

“The bereaved searches for meaning. In natural death, meaning can be dealt with spiritually or in the case of the elderly, within the natural cycle of life. Death by suicide however raises many questions. Was the victim in his or her right mind? If there are children involved, will they be more likely to be suicidal because of the death? Was the suicide a sin?

“Bereavement by suicide also visits special problems. Gardaí, coroners and insurance agents often subject families to investigation. The need for special counselling for is vital and should be recognised and supported by Government. It is important for the person bereaved by suicide to express feelings in a non-rejecting atmosphere and reach an understanding of the death in order to preserve his/her own self worth.

“I believe that the Minister for Health and Children has a duty and responsibility to ensure that this service is developed as a matter of urgency. In 2004, official figures of suicide were 457 victims and it is accepted that the true figure is much higher. The Government must accept its responsibility to provide assistance for those bereaved by this tragedy who are made patients by no action of their own.”