Gendered patterns of common mental health outcomes and suicidal ideation after suicide bereavement and the role of perceived social support

Each year ∼10 million people globally are bereaved by suicide. The aim of this study was to examine the gender-related impacts of suicide bereavement and the role of perceived social support. Data from a national Irish survey of adults bereaved or affected by suicide were used. In total, 2413 participants completed the survey. Both men and women reported poor levels of wellbeing and a high prevalence of moderate-severe depressive and anxiety symptoms, in addition to suicidal ideation. Men were significantly more likely to report current suicidal ideation (aIRR 1.57, 95% CI: 1.25-1.97), in addition to thoughts of self-harm (aIRR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.09-1.57) or suicide (aIRR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.13-1.60) related to the bereavement. High levels of perceived social support were associated with reduced risk of mental health and suicide-related outcomes, a pattern consistent for both men and women. The findings from this research have important implications for policy and practice, particularly in relation to screening for anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among those bereaved by suicide, in addition to the development and implementation of tailored postvention supports for men and women.