Patients’ experiences in the aftermath of suicidal crises

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of being suicidal and the encounter with health care personnel. The research question was, ‘How did the suicidal patient perceive the encounter with health care personnel?’ Data were collected, analysed and interpreted using a hermeneutic approach. Qualitative research interviews were used to collect data. Participants included10 people: 4 women and 6 men aged 21-52 years. With the exception of one person, they had all experienced one or more suicide attempts. The study requires ethical considerations in planning, interviews as well as in the analysis process. Through a thematic analysis, three key themes emerged: (a) experiencing and not experiencing openness and trust, (b) being met and not met by someone who addresses the matter, and (c) being met on equal terms versus being humiliated. Results in this study may indicate a lack of willingness and courage to listen to what the suicidal person says and to trust him or her