Lifesaving turning points: First-person accounts of recovery after suicide attempt(s).

This study explores the recovery processes of persons who had attempted suicide. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight persons who had attempted suicide and the data were analyzed by means of systematic text condensation. The participants described lifesaving turning points, which were connected to meaningful relationships, taking control over one's own life, and establishing a new everyday life. Suicide prevention efforts must be adapted to individual needs. First-person knowledge is important if we are to understand what is seen as helpful and should be emphasized when implementing suicide prevention work.

A call for change from impersonal risk assessment to a relational approach: professionals' reflections on the national guidelines for suicide prevention in mental health care in Norway.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to explore how professionals working with suicide prevention experience the influence of the national guidelines on mental healthcare, and to gather recommendations for which steps to take next. METHODS: This is a qualitative study with an explorative design. We interviewed 22 professionals responsible for implementing suicide prevention action plans and guidelines, and/or conducting relevant research. We analysed the data by means of thematic analysis. RESULTS: We found that the participants had an ambivalent view on risk assessment-it may be a tool, but it may also compromise other important aspects in prevention. Moreover, the possibility of liability has resulted in the need for self-protection. Instead, the participants recommended a relational approach to suicide prevention. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the emphasis on standardized suicide risk assessment has negatively influenced suicide prevention in mental healthcare, and an approach emphasizing relational aspects is recommended. However, the prevailing objectifying concept of knowledge, the epistemological debate and the emergence of the New Public Management ideology may obstruct a fundamental emphasis on relationships. A paradigm shift in mental healthcare is called for with respect to the concept of knowledge, which forms our understandings and practices.

"Time to Try Something New" - Professionals' Experiences and Reflections on Suicide Prevention in Norway.

Background: The suicide rate in Norway has remained relatively stable despite 25 years of government-funded suicide prevention efforts. Aim: We aimed to gather experiences of the professionals responsible for implementing suicide prevention action plans and guidelines and/or involved in relevant research. Method: We conducted semistructured interviews with 22 professionals about their reflections on the priorities and work done so far as well as where to go next. Data were analyzed by means of thematic analysis. Results: The participants described conflicting understandings and a monopolization of "the truth" within the suicide prevention community. They perceived the dominant biomedical understanding of suicidality and appurtenant approach to suicide prevention as too narrow. Thus, they found the suicide prevention work and collaboration challenging and recommend that it is time to try something new. Limitations: This study was conducted in a Norwegian context. A biomedical approach to suicide prevention is, however, common internationally. Conclusion: Participants described several challenges in the suicide prevention work. The contemporary "regime of truth" limits how suicide is understood and studied, as well as how suicide prevention is approached. A more open approach to suicide prevention, emphasizing the importance of relationships, context, and collaboration between sectors, is recommended.