Advocacy and luck: Australian healthcare experiences following a suicide attempt

Death Stud. 2018 Jul;42(6):392-399. doi: 10.1080/07481187.2017.1359218. Epub 2017 Sep 15.

Abstract

High quality mental healthcare after a suicide attempt is a key strategy for preventing subsequent suicide attempts and deaths, yet little is known about how people navigate the healthcare system following a suicide attempt. This paper focuses on the stories told by 20 people who had attempted suicide. Five themes emerged: fitting into the healthcare system; need for advocacy; consistent care; lucky to find help; and, small kindnesses. Positive and empathetic healthcare experiences, as well as connected services, assisted the recovery of people who have attempted suicide.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Australia
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health Services*
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Qualitative Research
  • Quality of Health Care
  • Risk Factors
  • Suicide, Attempted*
  • Young Adult