Suicidality in people with long-term health conditions: a qualitative exploration

Abstract Background Suicide is a major public health issue globally. People with a long-term health condition are twice as likely to experience suicidal ideation and behaviours. This study aims to understand how people with long-term health conditions experience suicidality, and what support would benefit them. This understanding is important to help prevent future suicide attempts in this population. Methods This qualitative study explored the experiences of individuals living with long-term physical or mental health conditions who had previously attempted suicide or experienced persistent suicidal thoughts. Semi structured interviews were conducted with fifteen participants: 11 individuals with lived experience and four carers. Interviews explored’ health journeys, emotional wellbeing, experiences of support, and factors that contributed to suicidality. Reflective thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results Five themes were produced showing how the impact of their health condition led to their suicidality. The themes are “What’s the point?” describing the emotional and physical toll of living with a chronic health condition, “Am I on my own here?” capturing experiences of isolation, alongside inconsistent, but occasionally, exceptional support from the healthcare providers, “The system is not working for me” addressing system failures in the healthcare system, “See me” reflecting the need for recognition and respect as individuals, and “New Purpose. New Normal” describing adaptions to life changes and finding meaning in life post-diagnosis. Conclusion The findings show a need to improve how healthcare systems address patients’ wellbeing to reduce suicidality in patients. If initial and follow-up appointments included a quality of life or wellbeing assessment, mental health issues could be recognised and addressed sooner before thoughts of suicide develop into action. Further research could help to improve policy and how wellbeing issues are approached in practice. This could reduce poor wellbeing and the development of suicidal ideation and action. Further research into healthcare professionals’ experiences would increase the knowledge base in this area. Expanding the current research further to include more men, more people from ethnic minority groups and those with other health conditions is essential.