Suicide-related disclosure: implications for inclusion and recovery

Increases in suicidal thoughts disclosure among adults in France from 2000 to 2021

BACKGROUND

The objective of the study was to investigate the prevalence of suicidal ideation disclosure over the past two decades in nationally representative samples of the general population, and to identify factors associated with disclosure.

METHODS

Data were drawn from consecutive nationally representative cross-sectional Health Barometer surveys. The 2000, 2005, 2010, 2014, 2017, and 2021 waves were pooled to examine disclosure among those who reported 12-month suicidal ideation. Logistic regressions were performed to identify factors associated with the odds of disclosure.

RESULTS

Across all waves (n = 124,124), 6014 of adults (4.7 %) reported 12-month suicidal ideation, and among them, 49.7 % talked to someone about it. Disclosure was 39 % in 2000, 44.6 % in 2005, 49.9 % in 2010, 52.8 % in 2014, 47.2 % in 2017, and 64.8 % in 2021. Female gender, a prior suicide attempt, higher education, inactive status, and younger age were associated with significantly greater odds of disclosure. Each survey wave was also associated with a greater likelihood of disclosure when compared to 2000, 1.31 (95 % CI, 1.08-1.59) in 2005, 1.69 (95 % CI, 1.38-2.07) in 2010, 1.89 (95 % CI, 1.52-2.34) in 2014, 1.47 (95 % CI, 1.21-1.79) in 2017, and 2.99 (95 % CI, 2.43-3.68) in 2021.

LIMITATIONS

Cross-sectional surveys.

CONCLUSIONS

In the general population of France, adults with suicidal ideation were increasingly more likely to disclose their ideation to someone in recent years. Factors associated with odds of disclosure should inform national suicide prevention strategies to identify subgroups who remain less likely than others to disclose their ideation.

To share or not to share? Evaluation of a strategic disclosure program for suicide attempt survivors

While suicide attempt survivors often choose to conceal their suicidal thoughts and behaviors to avoid stigma, concealment might also limit the support they receive. This study evaluated a peer-led strategic disclosure intervention for suicide attempt survivors (N = 38) who were randomized to either a 6-hour group disclosure intervention or waitlist control. Results showed a significant group-by-time interaction from baseline to post-intervention on two measures of self-stigma, depression, and self-esteem, but not for other variables. Effect sizes were medium to large. Findings suggest that suicide attempt survivors may benefit from interventions that address self-stigma and disclosure.