Survivors bereaved by suicide and the possibilities of postvention within Brazilian public health

Abstract

Death by suicide leaves many people negatively affected in its wake. Many so-called bereaved survivors will at some point need care and support, known as suicide postvention. This theoretical essay, based on the corresponding literature, institutional documents, and legal frameworks, seeks to discuss possibilities for suicide postvention within Brazilian public health. Suicide postvention is better structured internationally than in Brazil, which currently focuses on support groups for bereaved survivors centered in non-governmental organizations. We must look to territorial and community-based health services, like the Psychosocial Care Centers, and envisage affordable and resolute postvention actions, such as free prevention lines, early home visits, therapeutic listening and grief counseling.