Exploring the experiences and impact of discovering the body at the site of suicide: A qualitative investigation

Discovering the body of a loved one who has died by suicide is a rarely examined yet consequential moment in bereavement. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of Brazilian relatives who encountered the body at the suicide site. Between 2013 and 2019, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 34 participants. The interview guide was informed by the literature on suicide bereavement, and data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Four themes were identified. First, factual descriptions highlighted diverse locations of the encounter. Second, immediate sensory and emotional reactions ranged from shock and denial to attempts at resuscitation. Third, participants described actions and attitudes such as removing ligatures, calling authorities, or shielding children. Finally, post-encounter elaborations revealed enduring images and interpretations of intentionality. These encounters crystallized early meaning-making processes and shaped bereavement trajectories. Health professionals and first responders should assess psychological distress and support needs promptly to inform sensitive postvention.