Danutė Gailienė

“They Don’t Take It Seriously” Perceived Reactions of Surrounding People to Suicide Communication

Different elements of suicidal communication have been explored; however, the understanding of suicide attempters’ perception of surrounding people’s reactions is scarce. This study aims to unravel perceived reactions of surrounding people to suicidal communication and their effect on suicidal intent. Twenty-one person (7 men and 14 women, 18–62 years, M = 31.5) admitted to a general (N = 6) or psychiatric (N = 15) hospital after a suicide attempt participated. Hybrid thematic analysis was used for semistructured interview data analysis. Indifference and disengaging in helping are the most common perceived reactions to reports before the attempt. Reactions during the attempt are noticeably more active. Unresponsiveness and provocation to suicide are considered as impelling factors to commit suicide. Active reactions, for example, prohibitions are not viewed as such. Mostly suicide intent is communicated prior to attempt or after harming oneself, but it is taken into account by surrounding people more seriously during the attempt.

Too strong? Barriers from getting support before a suicide attempt in Lithuania

ABSTRACT The study aimed to understand the tendencies of help seeking before a suicide attempt in Lithuania. An analysis of interviews with 21 Lithuanian adults demonstrated strong avoidance of seeking help. The main reasons for avoidance included a lack of trust in other people, thinking that one must solve problems independently without sharing them, avoiding troubling others, and a belief that showing genuine emotions is a sign of weakness. These findings may contribute to suicide prevention by more deeply understanding the barriers to help seeking among high suicide risk groups, particularly in countries with a traumatic historical experience.