The Garish Sun — Understanding the Aftermath of Suicide Loss
One of the most widely read narratives about suicide is found in Shakespeare ’ s Romeo and Juliet . This quote from the play speaks to the despair that can lead to self-directed violence :
When he shall die , Take him and cut him out in little stars , And he will make the face of heaven so fine That all the world will be in love with night And pay no worship to the garish sun .
( William Shakespeare , 1591 – 1595 )
Judith Harrington , PhD , LPC-S , LMFT , began her specialization in suicide prevention , intervention , and postvention in her 30-year affiliation with the regional crisis center in her area , which included 14 years as facilitator of the suicide bereavement group , among other roles . She has published chapters on suicide in two textbooks , cofounded the Alabama Suicide Prevention and Resources Coalition ( www . asparc . org ), has taught a graduate level course in suicide for 15 years , and has trained countless mental health professionals at the national , state , and local levels .
After centuries of cruel punishment and stigma against those who had died by suicide and their family members , Shakespeare , along with others such as French sociologist Émile Durkheim , are credited with pivoting such archaic attitudes about the human condition and suicide . My interpretation of the last line of the quote above is that the “ garish sun ” is a metaphor for the debilitating pain that overwhelms an individual ’ s capacity to see hope beyond difficulties or to seek or receive help , so that death seems the only possible relief .
Many experts in the field of suicidology do not believe that suicide is a rational choice , but rather a behavioral action that seeks to alleviate psychache , psychological press , and crippling emotional suffering . Intent to die is an indicator for high suicidal risk . Intent and “ choice ” are often confused , or inaccurately applied as if they are synonymous .
Caring for the suicidally bereaved person most often and historically has been referred to as postvention . In recent years , postvention care has also begun to include mental health supports and services for suicide attempt survivors . Each year , more than 1.7 million people ( that we know of ) who attempted and survived a suicide attempt have presented at emergency rooms and clinics ( see the CDC fact sheet at https :// www . cdc . gov / suicide / facts / index . html ), and this group constitutes the largest “ at-risk ” group for a possible repeat attempt . Both forms of postvention — for survivors of suicide attempts and for survivors of suicide loss — have unique focal points of care , and both serve the broader purpose of suicide prevention .
SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE LOSS — SORROW , TRAUMA , AND COMPLICATED BEREAVEMENT
More than five million people in the United States identify as survivors of suicide loss , and recent research has shown that for every one suicide , there are 135 individuals who knew that person . This number is based on new research that replaces the non-evidence-based account that only six persons per loss are affected by a suicide loss ( see bit . ly / 40iOxhS ). Because the loss of a family member can elevate the risk for other suicides , effective suicide postvention efforts can prevent more suicides . Appropriate care for survivors of suicide loss can be delivered with stigma- and myth-free practices , and with training , best practices , and a community of support .
Loss , death , grief , and bereavement are presumably universal experiences for all humans . Is there anyone who doesn ’ t know the experience of sorrow , mourning , yearning , sadness , disappointment , despondency , and heartbrokenness at the loss of a loved one ? How does bereavement following a suicide loss compare to losses attributable to other causes of deaths ?
As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor ( LCMHC ), I have had the privilege of facilitating a suicide-bereavement community support group for more than 14 years . These family members provided a rich education about the phenomena related to suicide bereavement . Their lived
continued on page 12 The Advocate Magazine 2023 , Issue # 1 American Mental Health Counselors Association ( AMHCA ) www . amhca . org
11