A Tale of Two Clinicians

Body of Abstract: Mental health clinicians aren’t always viewed by the public, nor by themselves, as suicide survivors. However, with an estimated 50% of those that die by suicide being actively engaged in mental health care at the time of their death, mental health clinicians may be unique suicide survivors due to their relationship with the deceased. This complicated relationship can have direct impacts on how the mental health clinician manages their response to the suicide death. These impacts can show up in both their personal and professional lives. Stigma about suicide and concerns about being judged by peers are significant influences for mental health clinicians. Both presenters are survivors of suicide in multiple identities of their lives. They will discuss their different experiences as people and as mental health clinicians. Research on the impact of client suicide on mental health clinicians will also be presented. The presenters will also guide attendees through caring and advocating for themselves, as well as others, at their organizations and agencies after a client completes suicide.
While an overview of data related to suicide loss survivors and mental health clinicians as suicide loss survivors will be briefly presented, this presentation focuses on the personal stories of the two speakers.

Learning Objectives:

• List potential responses to suicide loss.
• Describe why mental health clinicians may struggle to identify as suicide loss survivors.
• Discuss stigma that mental health clinicians as suicide loss survivors may face.