Cited by 38Suicide and Self-Harm StudiesPsychiatric care and mental health servicesGrief, Bereavement, and Mental Health

Coping with thoughts of suicide: Techniques used by consumers of mental health services

Alexander, Mary Jane, Haugland, Gary, Ashenden, Peter, Knight, Ed, Brown, Isaac·2009·Psychiatric Services

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Suicide is a devastating public health problem, and research indicates that people with prior attempts are at the greatest risk of completing suicide, followed by persons with depression and other major mental and substance use conditions. Because there has been little direct input from individuals with serious mental illness and a history of suicidal behavior concerning suicide prevention efforts, this study examined how this population copes with suicidal thoughts. METHODS: Participants in 14 regional consumer-run Hope Dialogues in New York State (N=198) wrote up to five strategies they use to deal with suicidal thoughts. Strategies were classified according to grounded theory. RESULTS: First responses included spirituality, talking to someone, positive thinking, using the mental health system, considering consequences of suicide to family and friends, using peer supports, and doing something pleasurable. Although a majority reported that more formal therapeutic supports were available, only 12% indicated that they considered the mental health system a frontline strategy. Instead, respondents more frequently relied on family, friends, peers, and faith as sources of hope and support. CONCLUSIONS: Consumers' reliance on formal therapeutic supports and support from peers and family suggests that education and support for dealing with individuals in despair and crisis should be targeted to the social networks of this high-risk population. The disparity between availability of formal mental health services and reliance on them when consumers are suicidal suggests that suicide prevention efforts should evaluate whether they are effectively engaging high-risk populations as they struggle to cope with despair.

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Crossref · 10.1176/ps.2009.60.9.1214

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Authors
Alexander, M. J., Haugland, G., Ashenden, P., Knight, E., & Brown, I.
Affiliations
Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research (US)
Venue
Psychiatric Services
Published
2009-09
Volume
60
Issue
9
Pages
1214-1221
ISSN
  • 0022-1597 (ISSN-L)
  • 1075-2730
  • 1557-9700
OpenAlex
W2132368494
Cited by
38
References
91
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2024: 2 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 1 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 1 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 7 · 2013: 1 · 2012: 1
FWCI
1.41
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Psychiatric Services (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • National Institutes of Health
  • National Institute of Mental Health (P20-MH0781880)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Suicide and Self-Harm Studies
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychiatric care and mental health services
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health
Keywords
suicidal ideation, coping strategies, suicide prevention, severe mental illness, suicide attempt history, mental health service utilization, peer support, spirituality, family and social support, despair, customer perspective, mental health services
MeSH terms
Suicide Prevention, Adaptation, Psychological, Adolescent, Adult, Education, Female, Humans, Male, Mental Health Services, Middle Aged, New York, Patients, Truth Disclosure, Focus Groups, Young Adult

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