Postvention in Action

A unique and comprehensive handbook presenting the state of the art in suicide bereavement support

Suicide is not merely the act of an individual; it always has an effect on others and can even increase the risk of suicide in the bereaved. The International Association for Suicide Prevention, the World Health Organisation, and others have recognized postvention as an important strategy for suicide prevention. This unique and comprehensive handbook, authored by nearly 100 international experts, including researchers, clinicians, support group facilitators, and survivors, presents the state of the art in suicide bereavement support.

The first part examines the key concepts and the processes that the bereaved experience and illustrates them with illuminating clinical vignettes. The second and third parts look in detail at suicide bereavement support in all the relevant settings (including general practices, the workplace, online and many others) as well as in specific groups (such as health care workers).

In the concluding section, the support provided for those bereaved by suicide in no less than 23 countries is explored in detail, showing that postvention is becoming a worldwide strategy for suicide prevention. These chapters provide useful lessons and inspiration for extending and improving postvention in new and existing areas. This unique handbook is thus essential reading for anyone involved in suicide prevention or postvention research and practice.



Praise for the book

“The editors of this volume, leading figures in research on suicide bereavement and postvention, have gathered together all of the significant contemporary contributors to the field to compile a comprehensive overview that will be valuable as a reference for researchers and as a practical guide for clinicians. Norman Farberow and other early influential pioneers in this field would be delighted with the result!”
Robert D. Goldney, AO, MD, FRCPsych, FRANZCP; Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry, University of Adelaide, Australia; Past-President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)

“This inspirational book combines science and humanity superbly. It provides a comprehensive overview of evidence for effective postvention, written by experienced researchers from around the world with empathy for those left behind by suicide. It is a must-read for everyone involved in suicide bereavement and prevention.”
Lakshmi Vijayakumar, PhD, FRCPsych (Hon.), Founder of SNEHA Suicide Prevention Centre, India; Head of the Department of Psychiatry, Voluntary Health Services, Chennai, India; Honorary Associate Professor, University of Melbourne, Australia

"This book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding and helping people bereaved by suicide. It is comprehensive and describes evidence-based best practices from around the world."
Brian Mishara, PhD, Director of the Centre for Research and Intervention on Suicide and Euthanasia; Professor of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada