Exploring the Lived Experience of Young People with a Family Member Who Has Attempted Suicide

Families are amongst those most impacted by a suicide attempt. Young people exposed to the suicide attempt of a family member experience high levels of distress and are at risk of suicide themselves. Yet, there is a lack of knowledge about their lived experience and needs. Thus, this study aimed to explore the lived experience of young people with a family member who has attempted suicide.

In this phenomenological qualitative study, nine semi-structured interviews were conducted via video software. Participants were aged between 17 to 30 years (mean: 23, SD: 5.05). Family members had a range of relationships to the young person; four were brothers, two were mothers, two were fathers, and one was a cousin. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was conducted on transcribed interviews.

Four themes were generated from the analysis: 1. Fundamentally rocked; 2. I'm responsible, it's up to me; 3. Moving both toward and away from help (for me); and 4. Families coming together.

Young people experience significant immediate and ongoing burden and distress, including feelings of guilt and hypervigilance, after the suicide attempt of a family member. They wanted to discuss and connect with their family about the traumatic event, however most parents were unwilling or unable to do so, even though these discussions can be transformational. Targeted support and co-designed interventions, including resources, peer support and family-focused clinical support, are needed.