Unreachable Loneliness: Informal Supports Role Amid Low Belonging Perceptions of Suicide-Vulnerable Youth

Suicide remains a leading cause of death for young people. This study explores the critical role of informal supports in the lives of youth facing suicidal crises by tracing the role of belonging throughout suicidal episodes. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, this study aims to provide a holistic view of belongingness couched in the rich context of lived experience, broadening the scope of belongingness while taking into account the acute nature of the construct. Three young adults who experienced suicidal episodes during adolescence were interviewed. Participants described how their suicidal thoughts often overshadowed their ability to perceive support from family and friends, rendering them emotionally unreachable at crucial moments. Yet, these significant others played critical roles at every level of analysis. The study identifies key strategies for informal supports, including persistent engagement, non-abandonment, openness, and reciprocal support, to effectively address suicidal episodes. Additionally, this work draws out upstream policy recommendations for communities and policy makers. Findings underscore the importance of understanding and navigating the complex dynamics of belongingness and informal support during suicidal episodes. This research contributes to suicide prevention by emphasizing the need for informal supports, as key links of a social safety net, in bridging the gap between perceived and actual care.