A qualitative analysis of suicide notes to understand suicidality in older adults

Objective
Suicide is a complex multifactorial process influenced by a variety of biological, psychological, and social stressors. Many older adults face a characteristic set of challenges that predispose them to suicidal ideation, suicide-related behavior, and death by suicide. This study explored the subjective experience of suicidality through the analysis of suicide notes from older adults.
Design
Qualitative study analyzing written suicide notes.
Setting
Written notes for suicide deaths in Toronto, Canada, between 2003 and 2009 were obtained from the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario.
Participants
The analysis comprised 29 suicide notes (mean words per note: 221; range: 6–1095) written by individuals 65 years and older (mean ± SD age: 76.2 ± 8.3).
Measurements
We employed a constructivist grounded theory framework for the analysis, conducted through line-by-line open coding, axial coding, and theorizing of data to establish themes.
Results
Suicide notes elucidated the writers’ conception of suicide and their emotional responses to stressors. Expressed narratives contributing to suicide centered on burdensomeness or guilt, experiences of mental illness, loneliness or isolation, and poor physical health or disability. Terms related to pain, poor sleep, apology, and inability to go on were recurrent.
Conclusions
Suicide notes enrich our understanding of the thoughts and emotions of those at highest risk of suicide, and they inform potential interventions for reducing suicide risk in older adults.