“Why I Tried to Kill Myself” – an Exploration of the Factors Contributing to Suicide in the Waterberg District

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using free attitude interviews in English with 8 purposefully selected participants. Subjects were recruited from patients admitted to hospital after a suicide attempt. Themes were identified through the McMillan method. Predisposing conditions included economic, health-related factors, substance abuse, & disturbed interpersonal relationships. Other contributory factors were emotional reactions, unpleasant feelings, & thoughts of suicide with the expectation of dying & resting in peace. Motivations for the attempt included too many overwhelming physical or social problems, isolation, & no meaning or purpose in life. Participants felt that sharing their problems was beneficial. (21 refs.)