Reconnecting with oneself while struggling between life and death: The phenomenon of recovery as experienced by persons at risk of suicide

Abstract

The work was carried out at Mälardalen University and the County Hospital Västerås, address as above Author contributions:LS -research planning, contact with clinical setting, data collection, analysis, and manuscript Three meaning constituents emerged: being in an expressive space and giving voice to oneself, regaining dignity through nurturing connectedness, and finding a balance in the tension between life and death. In conclusion, the meaning of recovery is to experience the ability to manage one's own life. Professional caregivers need to acknowledge patients' lifeworlds, in a way that enable patients to experience themselves as capable of managing their own lives. Professional caregivers should also facilitate the involvement of supportive relatives.

Former suicidal inpatients’ experiences of treatment and care in psychiatric wards in Norway

“…However, the assessment of transferability largely depends on the utilitarian value that readers and consumers assign to the research (Polit & Beck, 2010). Further, our findings and descriptions are in keeping with and support previous research (e.g., Berg et al, 2017; Cutcliffe et al, 2006; Sellin et al, 2017; Talseth et al, 1999, 2001). Thus, the findings are generalizable on an analytic level (Polit & Beck, 2010).…”

“…The suicidal patients’ resources and continuing recovery process is more evident in the present study compared to what is described in several other studies (e.g., Berg et al, 2017; Talseth et al, 1999, 2001). However, Sellin, Asp, Wallsten, and Wiklund Gustin (2017) have explored how persons at risk of suicide experience the process of recovery. Their findings show that recovery means ‘reconnecting with oneself while struggling between life and death’ (Sellin et al, 2017).…”

“…However, Sellin, Asp, Wallsten, and Wiklund Gustin (2017) have explored how persons at risk of suicide experience the process of recovery. Their findings show that recovery means ‘reconnecting with oneself while struggling between life and death’ (Sellin et al, 2017). Many years ago, Carl Rogers wrote about ‘client-centered therapy’, later transforming it into the ‘person-centered approach’ (Rogers, 1980).…”

“…These questions appear very relevant for suicidal persons, including the participants in our study who seemed to struggle with such existential issues. Sellin and colleagues (2017), pointed out that recovery from a suicidal crisis involved reconnecting with oneself and questioning how life could become worth living. Further, this process is facilitated in mutual connections with professionals and supportive relatives (Sellin et al, 2017).…”

“…Sellin and colleagues (2017), pointed out that recovery from a suicidal crisis involved reconnecting with oneself and questioning how life could become worth living. Further, this process is facilitated in mutual connections with professionals and supportive relatives (Sellin et al, 2017). Rogers’ key message was that clinicians could promote a person’s change and growth by being empathic listeners, understanding, genuine, and accepting (Rogers, 1980).…”