REACTIONS TO A COLLEAGUE'S SUICIDE

Suicide is a painful loss for surviving family and friends. However, the effects of a co-worker's suicide can be equally profound within the workplace. Co-worker's grief reactions often
are the same as those of family or friends and can include:

• shock or disbelief at the death itself, and often at the cause of death. Shock may be expressed in many ways including violent outbursts, dazed withdrawal, and the inability to take in the reality of the death (Davis 1990: 43).
• anger which may be directed at co-workers, management, health care providers, and even the deceased colleague. Co-workers may express anger their colleague never confided in them about how desperate they felt. They may also be angry or experience a sense of personal rejection because they feel they were not given the opportunity to help their colleague (Davis: 45).
• guilt over things which may or may not have been done or said. Some guilt may be related to regret about insufficient
  care and concern for their colleague (Davis: 43).

HELPING CO- WORKERS BEREAVED BY A COLLEAGUE'S SUICIDE
There are several ways in which employers can help grieving workers, some of which follow:

1. Convene a meeting or meetings of staff to clarify the facts and to allow employees to express their feelings.
2. Allow time-off to attend the funeral or memorial services.
3. Have printed materials available for those individuals who want them. Be able to provide referrals to community agencies or counsellors who are knowledgeable
   about suicide bereavement.
4. If necessary, be prepared to offer critical incident stress debriefing.