Process of Suicide: Perspective of the Suicide Attempter

BACKGROUND: Little has been studied regarding the concept of suicide as a process and how it is perceived by the suicide attempter in the wake of suicidal behavior. OBJECTIVES: The purposes of the study were to increase understanding of the subjective experience of the suicidal individual and to identify factors that contribute to survival following a suicide attempt. Study Design: An investigator-designed survey was used in this retrospective descriptive study. RESULTS: Feelings of sadness, depression, disappointment, and emptiness were the emotions most often experienced by participants in the period immediately following their suicide attempts. By contrast, respondents later felt glad or grateful they had survived. Treatment with a health care professional was mentioned most often as preventing current suicidal behavior and also identified as the most frequent coping strategy. CONCLUSIONS: Participants were able to develop effective coping strategies and find meaning in life following suicide attempts.