Exploring Widows’ Experiences After the Suicide of Their Spouse

The widow of a spouse who has committed suicide must cope with issues related to depression, anger, blame, guilt, & the stigma of suicide. The predominant need of widows was to talk in an environment of acceptance & understanding which could only be provided by other people with the same experience. Suggestions for caregivers include: communicating with compassion, care & concern, accepting the individual’s grief, & offering information.