Suicide attempt survivors not provided with adequate care

A new research study by SANE Australia reveals a concerning lack of follow-up treatment for people with a mental illness who have attempted suicide.

SANE surveyed 285 people diagnosed with a mental illness who had attempted suicide or self-harmed. The key findings, published in Research Bulletin 11: Suicide, Self-harm and Mental Illness, are:

30% of respondents were not referred for ongoing mental health treatment after a suicide attempt;
57% were not offered psychological therapy after a suicide attempt;
80% of people who survived a suicide attempt were not provided with a crisis plan of what to do if they felt suicidal in the future.

SANE Australia's Executive Director, Barbara Hocking, says of the findings, "This is extremely concerning. We know that people with mental illness are already at high risk for suicide, and those who have made a suicide attempt are even more vulnerable. We also know what can help reduce the risk, yet many people who have survived a suicide attempt appear to be left to fend for themselves.

"All people with a mental illness who make a suicide attempt should be referred for ongoing mental health treatment, but our research finds that almost one in three are not. Furthermore, more than half weren't offered psychological therapy – which can play a valuable part in reducing suicidal thinking. Current failure to offer best-practice care is putting people's lives at risk."

Research Bulletin 11: Suicide, Self-harm and Mental Illness also reveals the preventative strategies respondents find useful when feeling suicidal or about to self-harm. Almost three-quarters of respondents (73%) talked to someone about their suicidal thoughts and 57% had contacted a helpline when feeling suicidal.

Ms Hocking says, "This is very encouraging. Talking about thoughts and feelings is extremely helpful. Respondents told us that reaching out to friends or helplines not only reduced their risk of trying to take their own life but also lead to getting help. Callers to helplines can talk confidentially with trained and understanding advisers who can provide appropriate advice and referral for treatment and support."

Thirty eight per cent (38%) of respondents also reported that walking or other physical exercise was a helpful coping strategy. Spending time with friends, having an occupation or attending a day program were also noted as important to improved mental health.

Research Bulletin 11: Suicide, Self-harm and Mental Illness can be downloaded from the Research area of the SANE website at www.sane.org.

(Source: SANE Australia: February 2010)