A growing body of evidence has identified unpaid carers (also known as family caregivers) as a high-risk group for suicide. Associate Professor Siobhan O’Dwyer is at the forefront of this research, shining a light on the experiences of carers from around the world. Her research has inspired critically acclaimed plays and artworks and been reported in the international news (see here and here for examples).
This research is also informing policy and practice to better support at-risk carers. If your organisation would like to understand the evidence or build your skills for supporting carers at risk of suicide, training is available.
The first findings from our research on suicide risk in parent carers was recently published. You can read the full report here and a lay summary is available here. More findings from this research are expected to be available in 2025.
A selection of academic publications by Siobhan and her colleagues appears below. Many of these are open access, but if you would like to read a paper that is behind a paywall please contact Siobhan for a copy.
If you’re a carer who needs support, please contact Samaritans (in the UK), Lifeline (in Australia) or the telephone helpline in your area.
Suicidality in family caregivers: A scoping review
Suicidal thoughts in Dutch family carers, a longitudinal study
Risk factors for suicidal thinking in caregivers in the Netherlands
Suicidal ideation in family carers of people with dementia
A carer’s roadmap for research, practice, and policy on suicide
Like death is near – How family caregivers in the USA blog about suicide and homicide
Suicidal ideation in family carers of people with dementia: A pilot study.
Suicidal ideation and resilience in family carers of people with dementia: A qualitative study.
Research That cares 