“They Don’t Take It Seriously”

Abstract

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.