Lived Experiences of Suicide-Bereaved Siblings in Pakistan: A Qualitative Approach

Abstract

The perspective of siblings who are suicide-bereaved in Pakistan denote a rather underexplored but significant part of mental wellbeing. This qualitative research reconnoiters the feeling of people whose siblings have been lost in the event of a suicide while also aiming to bring light to the different facets of the grieving journey that they have navigated through. Using techniques of thematic analysis, data was collected using semi-structured interviews involving 8 participants who were siblings and belonging to a wide range of backgrounds, each of them offering a different and unique viewpoint that was shaped by their experiences and backgrounds. The analysis discovered seven predominant themes, each of which contained several subthemes. From these, a universal and main aspect of the bereavement process was emotional distress which was interlinked with coping mechanisms and resilience portrayed by siblings while undergoing that journey of grief. Furthermore, posttraumatic growth as a phenomenon came forth as an intricate interconnection of transformation of the individual due to huge loss. The research also revealed the extensive effect of stigmatization in Pakistani society regarding suicide. Nevertheless, the significance of Environmental Reward, complexities of stressed relationships and social support dynamics came forth as important features that shaped the experience of bereavement. The discoveries highlight the need for specialized interventions and support services that cater to individualized needs of individuals in Pakistan who are suicide bereaved. By identifying and authenticating their experiences, officials involved in making policies and mental health professionals can nurture a more effective and sympathetic method for helping those who are currently experiencing loss of a sibling due to suicide. This research contributes important discernments to the increasing literature on the topic of bereavement and emphasizes the importance of cultural bound and contextual helping strategies for catering mental health problems in Pakistan.