Learning to LIVE again: The journey of suicide attempt survivors towards recovery and relapse prevention

Suicide is a complex global public health issue, claiming 703,000 lives annually. For every suicide, numerous individuals attempt to take their own lives, with many cases going unreported. While research on suicide is extensive, much of it focuses on suicidality or the grief of those left behind, leaving a gap in understanding the recovery and relapse prevention of suicide attempt survivors. This study addresses this gap by exploring the lived experiences of individuals recovering from suicide attempts. Using a descriptive phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 Filipino adults who had attempted suicide at least once and had not reattempted for at least six months. Data were analysed using Colaizzi’s (1978) method, revealing the central phenomenon, “Learning to LIVE Again,” which comprises four interconnected themes: (1) “Loss of Stability and Control Over Self,” (2) “Implications of the Attempt to Self and Others,” (3) “Value of Help-Seeking,” and (4) “Evolving Views on the Now and Tomorrow.” The findings highlight the need for tailored interventions that address the unique challenges faced by suicide attempt survivors and emphasise the importance of collaborative efforts in suicide prevention.