Suicide survivors statistic

[jorheslen428]

So I've heard from several sources that there's a statistic that 90% of suicide survivors say they are glad they are alive.

Does anyone know what the original research article is and the real-world accuracy? I want to evaluate it for methodological flaws/ biases. It just doesn't seem realistic that that many people would say that (unless they caught them all at a good time or something).

 

[Vizzy]

So I've heard from several sources that there's a statistic that 90% of suicide survivors say they are glad they are alive.

Does anyone know what the original research article is and the real-world accuracy? I want to evaluate it for methodological flaws/ biases.

They are glad that they survived without getting a Brain damage or becoming a vegetable

 

[betternever2havbeen]

Probably fear the repercussions of being honest in this pro-life society.

 

[woh6]

Some people try to commit suicide more as a cry for help, with no real intention to actually die from it. Others might've not been sure about their decision yet and failed because they were too scared and didn't do it properly.

 

[jorheslen428]

Probably fear the repercussions of being honest in this pro-life society.

I'm thinking that maybe being asked this in a research setting would bias their answers

 

[locked*n*loaded]

So I've heard from several sources that there's a statistic that 90% of suicide survivors say they are glad they are alive.

Does anyone know what the original research article is and the real-world accuracy? I want to evaluate it for methodological flaws/ biases. It just doesn't seem realistic that that many people would say that (unless they caught them all at a good time or something).

Not sure if this is it, but it does have the "90%" figure you mention, although the study was done only with people who were attempting to jump off the Golden Gate Bridge.

https://www.speakingofsuicide.com/2013/07/05/suicide-attempt-survivors/

 

[jorheslen428]

Not sure if this is it, but it does have the "90%" figure you mention, although the study was done only with people who were attempting to jump off the Golden Gate Bridge.

https://www.speakingofsuicide.com/2013/07/05/suicide-attempt-survivors/

That statistic just says that 90% never attempt again, no mention of being "glad to be alive". Starting to think that people who say this are just making shit up.

 

[unnormal9]

Statistics don't mean shit. What is that going to do for the survivor?
Right.

 

[PreCambrianBliss]

This is a perfect example of the availability heuristic. It's like asking Idahoans who've tried moving to another state if they prefer living in Idaho. Obviously they do, otherwise they wouldn't have come back. As for suicide survivors, obviously they will prefer life. Otherwise they would simply attempt again until they die, excluding them from the statistic.

People are also pressured to act like they aren't suicidal to avoid repercussions like involuntary hospitalization/commitment, so that may further skew the data.

It's also worth noting that even if this statistic were both true and accurately representative of the whole, it STILL does not imply that suicide is a regrettable decision. It would only show that many people do not thoroughly consider their options before attempting.

 

[jorheslen428]

This is a perfect example of the availability heuristic. It's like asking Idahoans who've tried moving to another state if they prefer living in Idaho. Obviously they do, otherwise they wouldn't have come back. As for suicide survivors, obviously they will prefer life. Otherwise they would simply attempt again until they die, excluding them from the statistic.

People are also pressured to act like they aren't suicidal to avoid repercussions like involuntary hospitalization/commitment, so that may further skew the data.

I don't think it necessarily follows that suicide attempters who didn't attempt again are glad to be alive though. Other factors like staying for family members, hope in the future despite current circumstances, personal values, and living in an anti-suicide society.

I don't know. When it comes to research into the human mind everything gets complicated really quickly.

 

[squirley]

Yah I'm looking around now as well that link and the op has me curious. If there are any more up to date stats / studys like this.
I've attempted and it hasn't changed my mind except for not to be so impulsive and plan better.

I think it depends on when and why.
Eg - say a dude is like 14-16 years old. First girl friend ever breaks up with him.
pills , booze , cuts himself.
Wakes up in the hospital like wtf did I try to ctb over a girl I dated for 3 months ?
Still being younger... some meds or counseling might help.
( maybe not. Years later who knows)
And has a higher chance of saying that he is glad to be alive.
I'd belive him.

Eg- grown man wife passes away. Trys to ctb with gun. Shoots the gun bounces. Half his face is gone. On crazy amounts of meds. Breathing from a tube.
I'm not sure if I'm being naive but I don't see how this person could say they are happy to be alive still.

I think that's why in that link ... it shows the percent of people even with treatment still ctb.
1-5-10 years later

Maybe the people that say they are glad.
still have things to live for and didnt realize it? Or didn't want it at the time.
( due to mental issues. trauma. Drugs. even choice ? )
Had a crazy impulse of sorts. But havnt really planned or thought it out.

What counts as a attempt?
( to the study. Is there levels ?)
taking mom's xanny ? Cause your mad at the world.?
Or
Partial hang but the cord breaks. Because you just lost all your life savings in Vegas.

A big thing i think is feeling pressured by everyone to say that now because they failed the attempt. Even if they don't truly feel that way.
or they are on such heavy medication they can't think anymore. And say what the therapist tells them to.

( I'm trying to find a study I read awhile ago. Some people plan it. Days months years ...
While others think it and do it within 5 mins. )

Long post . Just thinking out loud . Interesting topic..

 

[FuneralCry]

Saying that people are glad to exist after failing an attempt is certainly a lie, that statistic is invented by pro-lifers as any truths about suicide being the preferable and most logical option just get censored.

 

[locked*n*loaded]

That statistic just says that 90% never attempt again, no mention of being "glad to be alive". Starting to think that people who say this are just making shit up.

Could be.