Grief, participation, and partial resolution: an autoethnographic study of inquests after a suspected suicide

This paper presents three case studies of coroner inquests conducted in the United Kingdom following suspected deaths by suicide of patients under the care of mental health services at the time. Using an auto-ethnographic approach, I examine the experiential dimensions of the inquest process, with attention to the position of all participants, including the bereaved, the coroner, and mental health clinicians called as witnesses. Findings, based on my own autobiographical experience, characterise the inquest as a participatory process with grief as the central participant and where an invitation for resolution emerges when adversarial dynamics are contained. Improved understanding of the experience may enhance the therapeutic potential of the inquest process. It may also be used to inform future guidance on preparation and support materials for individuals required to attend.