Abstract
This study explored the lived experiences of suicidality and help-seeking for suicide prevention among Alaska Native and American Indian (AN/AI) people in a tribal health system. An interpretive phenomenological approach was used to analyze semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 15 individuals (ages 15–56) with self-reported histories of suicide ideation and/or attempt. Several factors were found to be central to acquiring resilience to suicide risk among AN/AI people across a wide age range: meaningful and consistent social connection, awareness about how one’s suicide would negatively effect loved ones, and knowledge and utilization of available health services. Findings highlight the mutable nature of suicide risk and resilience, as well as the importance of interpersonal factors in suicidality.
Highlights
Suicide is a major public health concern for Alaska Native and American Indian (AN/AI) people in the United States (US)
While all lived in the urban center of Anchorage, Alaska at the time they were interviewed, 11 participants grew up in rural Alaska communities or out of state
Participants with no history of suicide attempt had sought and received help that they perceived to be effective from a family member or health care professional within days or weeks of having their first thoughts of suicide
Summary
Suicide is a major public health concern for Alaska Native and American Indian (AN/AI) people in the United States (US). The age-adjusted suicide rate for AN/AI people is consistently less than that of the general US population (13 versus 14/100,000), the suicide rate among the AN/AI population has increased faster than in the general US population since 2000 (28% versus 25%, respectively) [1]. In Alaska, suicide among AN/AI (all ages) is consistently three to four times higher than the US rate [2] and is the leading cause of death among those age 10–64 years [3]. The suicide rate in Alaska was either the first or second highest in the nation from 2012–2017 [3]. Suicide occurred in higher rates among males, AN/AI people, persons aged 20–24 years, and among those in rural areas. Suicide deaths for AN/AI people may be underestimated by up to
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