Advocacy and luck: Australian healthcare experiences following a suicide attempt. Issue 6 (3rd July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McKay, Kathy; Shand, Fiona
• Is Part Of: Death studies. Volume 42:Issue 6(2018)
• Page Start: 392
• Page End: 399
• Publication Date: 2018-07-03
• Subjects: Death -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Terminal care -- Periodicals; Death -- Moral and ethical aspects -- Periodicals; 306.9
• DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2017.1359218
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0748-1187

Abstract

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.