The question of whether suicide bereavement is different from mourning after other types of deaths has important theoretical & clinical implications. Some recent literature reviews have argued the differences may be minimal. In contrast, this article suggests suicide bereavement is distinct in 3 significant ways: the thematic content of the grief, the social processes surrounding the survivor, & the impact suicide has on family systems. In addition, problems in the methodology used to compare different bereavement experiences are addressed. Some clinical implications of these conclusions, including the need for homogeneous support groups, psychoeducation services, & family & social network interventions are also discussed. (68 refs.)