| dc.description.abstract | Background:
Suffering in a suicidal crisis includes feelings such as despair, loneliness, anxiety, fear, shame,
guilt and hopelessness. This study highlights the experiences of patients in the aftermath of suicide attempts.
The
research question
was, what do suicidal patients see as meaningful help in care and treatment situations?
Methodology:
The methodology is inspired by Gadamer’s hermeneutics, where the parts are understood
in light of the whole, and the whole is understood in
light of the parts. Qualitative interviews were
employed.
Participants and research context:
A total of 10 persons, 4 women and 6 men 21–52 years old, were
informed and asked to participate by specialists in psychology at two emergency psychiatric wards and by
one crisis resolution team. Nine of the participants had experienced one or more suicide attempts using
drugs and alcohol. Forced hospitalization prevented one of the 10 participants from attempting suicide.
Ethical considerations:
Before the participants signed an informed consent form, the interviewer met all
participants to provide the written information, talking about the interview. A meeting to terminate contact
was arranged after the participants had read their own interviews.
Findings:
Three themes were generated by the methodology we applied: (1) experiencing hope through
encounters, (2) experiencing hope through the atmosphere of wisdom and (3) experiencing a ray of hope
from taking back responsibility.
Discussion:
The findings are discussed in the light of Eriksson’s suffering theory and Lindstro
̈
m’s theory
about psychiatric care, as well as earlier research and theories about suicidality.
Conclusion:
The study reinforces possibilities that hope in suicidal patients can be inspired in encounters
with healthcare personnel and within caring cultures. Through dialogue and cooperation, patients’ safety
and ability to cope with suffering is created and thereby the hope and will to struggle for life. | language |
