Publication details
„I’m ashamed to say it publicly, but in my 12-year-old brain I felt relief“ Disenfranchised Grief Following Father’s Suicide
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| Year of publication | 2024 |
| Type | Appeared in Conference without Proceedings |
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| Description | „I’m ashamed to say it publicly, but in my 12-year-old brain I felt relief“: Disenfranchised Grief Following Father’s Suicide Background: The topic of suicide remains surrounded with stigma, echoing Erving Goffman's observations. This stigma also extends to those left behind, who often find themselves grappling with unacknowledged mourning and a lack of support, encapsulating what Kenneth Doka terms as disenfranchised grief. Moreover, suicide presents a highly gendered problematic, with men being more prone to suicide, particularly when faced with job loss and, therefore, a perceived loss of meaning in their lives. Rationale: In recent years, the prevalence of suicide among older men in Czechia has seen a troubling rise. Despite this, discussions around suicide remain largely taboo within Czech society, influenced by the nation's post-socialist context. Such pervasive stigma can exacerbate the disenfranchisement experienced by those grieving a suicide loss. Design: Through a series of in-depth interviews, I have delved into the experiences of individuals who have lost loved ones to suicide. This paper focuses on a case study of one of my interviewees, Charles, whose father took his own life by hanging in 2009 at the age of 40. Results: Charles’ experience highlights the insufficiency of institutional approach; from the lack of support he received in school to his brother’s hospitalization. At a personal level, Charles emphasized the difficult period of bereavement and mourning because of the complicated relationship between him and his father. Additionally, Charles mentioned potential factors that may have contributed to his father’s decision to end his life, such as being diagnosed with a mental illness that led to the loss of a prestigious job and feelings of unfulfillment and powerlessness. Conclusions: In summary, the study accentuates the need to destigmatize discussions on suicide in Czech society, also concerning those left behind. The pervasive stigma exacerbates the disenfranchisement of individuals grieving a suicide loss, as demonstrated through the case study of Charles and his family. By addressing these challenges, we can implement more effective intervention strategies and support systems for those affected by suicide bereavement. Currently, such support systems are inadequate in Czechia. |
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