The meaning of life after a suicide attempt

Abstract

Introduction: Understanding the meaning of life after a suicide attempt experience provides greater knowledge about the process of resignification, connections and commitment to life, which can be useful in different therapeutic approaches.

Objective: Understand the meaning of life after a suicide attempt.

Method: Qualitative study with eight Brazilian adults assisted in mental health service. The data were collected in 2018 by semi-strutured interviews and group meetings that used artistic resources to facilitate expression.The Symbolic Interactionism was the theoretical reference used and the data were submitted to thematic analysis.

Results: Three themes were identified: "Searches in the affective, relational and spiritual field" (manifestations of affection, zeal, understanding and welcome and seemed to increase the link and commitment to life, as well as the openness to resignify it); "Life and the constancy of impermanence" (life as an alternation between weakness and strength, crisis and well-being, problems and overcoming); and "Discoveries and relationship with one's own self" (a self previously self-destructive could be resigned as capable of overcoming, resisting and developing resilience).

Conclusions: The study provides important insights to be addressed in clinical practice, in the protocol design, institutional policies, as well as in the training of professionals.

Keywords: Adult; Life; Mental health; Suicide; Suicide attempt.