The lived experiences of suicide attempt survivors: A systematic review of qualitative studies

Suicide is a global public health concern, affecting individuals across diverse demographics and cultures. Suicide attempts occur far more frequently than suicide deaths and represent one of the strongest predictors of future suicide; however, lived experiences of suicide attempt survivors are underexplored. This review draws on qualitative research to critically synthesize evidence on the lived experiences of suicide attempt survivors. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across five databases on qualitative studies reporting first-person accounts of suicide attempt survivors' lived experiences. Data from 31 studies were analyzed using thematic synthesis yielding four categories: triggers and risk factors that lead to suicidality, psychological meanings of the attempt, help-seeking and systemic responses, and factors involved in recovery. The meta-synthesis highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of suicidality, emphasizing the need to understand suicide attempts within psychological, relational, and sociocultural contexts, to support trauma-informed, culturally responsive care and for improving healthcare professionals' responses.