What responses do people at risk of suicide find most helpful and unhelpful from professionals and non-professionals?

Abstract

Background: People at risk of suicide frequently communicate suicidal thoughts to professionals and non-professionals. These groups, therefore, need to be aware of how best to respond. Aims: We aimed to identify helpful and unhelpful responses to communications of suicide risk from the perspective of those at risk to inform suicide prevention messaging and education. Method: We conducted an online survey (n = 141) of members of an online reference group for an Australian mental health organisation with a history of suicide risk. Results: Most respondents had repeatedly considered and attempted suicide. Indirect suicide communications were more common than direct communications. Listening wit..