https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1979-7278
![Sample our Behavioral Sciences journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/110801/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Behavioral-Sciences.jpg"})
Abstract
Background
People at risk of suicide frequently communicate suicidal thoughts to professionals and non-professionals. These groups, therefore, need to be aware of how best to respond.
Aims
We aimed to identify helpful and unhelpful responses to communications of suicide risk from the perspective of those at risk to inform suicide prevention messaging and education.
Method
We conducted an online survey (n = 141) of members of an online reference group for an Australian mental health organisation with a history of suicide risk.
Results
Most respondents had repeatedly considered and attempted suicide. Indirect suicide communications were more common than direct communications. Listening without judgement was the most common helpful response and “minimizing” responses to suicidal thoughts and feelings, the most common unhelpful responses.
Conclusion
We make recommendations for suicide prevention messages and professional education content based on these findings.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).