Existential loneliness and life suffering in being a suicide survivor: a reflective lifeworld research study

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to describe the loss of a family member by suicide, based on the lived experience of suicide survivors. METHODS: A phenomenology study with a Reflective Lifeworld Research approach was conducted, consisting of sixteen interviews with eight suicide survivors. RESULTS: The essence of losing a family member by suicide encompasses experiences of involuntary and existential loneliness, life suffering, and additional burdens in a life that is radically transformed, comprising prolonged and energy-intensive attempts to understand. Life for the family member encompasses a constant fear of being judged and an ambiguous silence, where this silence can both lead to involuntary loneliness and be a source of support and fellowship. Support mechanisms inside the family fall apart, and it becomes obvious that the survivors’ experiences affect others. The loss also implies an active endeavour to maintain the memory of the deceased. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, it is important for professionals to accept the survivors as suffering human beings early—from the point of the notification of death—and consider them as patients in need of compassionate care. Such support might reduce life suffering, counteract stigma and involuntary loneliness, and work simultaneously as suicide prevention.