Exploring the suicide phenomenon: Basis for the development of a counseling program

Abstract

This qualitative study conducted in May 2010 sought to find out the characteristics of the suicide attempters, the precipitating factors that trigger them to attempt suicide, their coping mechanisms, and the role of significant others in their healing, the insights gained from the experience and the post intervention services availed after the incident. The informants who are in their adolescence and early adulthood came from the provinces and districts of Iloilo, provinces of Guimaras, Antique, and Negros Occidental. Data gathering strategies used were the researcher-made interview guide and the focused-group discussions using photo essays which summarized the commonalities among informants. The study revealed that the attempters are college students taking different courses; three are eldest, another three are middle children, one youngest and another one an only child. Most of the informants came from economically sufficient families; they were typical college students doing the usual activities of normal teenagers with varying circumstances in the family background and economic status in life; they also experienced hardships, difficulties, pain, anger, joy, and happiness just like any average teenager but lack the ability to cope with the overwhelming situations and problems; they experienced moments of emptiness and psychological hopelessness; and they also experienced severe physical maltreatment and varied emotional abuse. Strained or failed romantic relationship had added to the realization of their suicidal ideations resulting to emotional instability, identity crises, poor coping mechanisms, lack of focus and goals in life, and depression due to being pre-occupied by problems, anger and sadness. They resorted to drinking alcoholic beverages, smoking and using prohibited drugs when confronted with problems; these activities became their temporary refuge. However, later on, they were able to cope with the aftermath by employing some strategies such as taking and opening up their problems with those they considered significant others; sharing with friends when depressed, laughing and mingling with other people. Their friends became their strength; their immediate family members and relatives were their support who offered financial, moral and emotional assistance; and their teachers and classmates were their stronghold as they were wholeheartedly accepted for who they are - warts and all. The informants' painful experiences of their attempt to end their lives helped them gain insights and realize that there is more to life. They started to dream of having a better life, finish their studies, have a stable job, create and build better relationship with parents, siblings, classmates, and the people around them. They also hope to have their own family in the future, help and send their siblings to school and live a life free from pain, fear and depression. Among the eight informants, only one received a formal post intervention service, while others receive the usual care and acceptance from the significant others who accepted them for what happened and what they had done.