In the Shadow of the Untolds: A Qualitative Analysis of the Barriers and Challenges in Suicide Prevention

Suicide is preventable; however, hundreds of thousands of people still die by suicide each year. This issue highlights the existence of barriers to effective suicide prevention programs. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to investigate the barriers and challenges associated with suicide prevention from the perspective of mental health experts.

This qualitative study employed content analysis. The research population consisted of mental health experts in healthcare centers of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province in 2023.  A purposive sample of 10 participants was selected, and data collection continued until saturation was reached. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Based on the results, five overarching themes regarding the barriers to suicide prevention were obtained: 1. Professional barriers in mental health; 2. Ineffective policies within the healthcare system; 3. Deficiencies in the performance of health networks; 4. Inadequacies in hospital service provision; and 5. Cultural and social barriers. Each of these themes encompasses additional sub-themes, which have been illustrated in a thematic network.

Identifying and understanding these barriers is crucial for suicide prevention programs. This underscores the need for comprehensive training programs for mental health professionals to reduce suicide rates. Furthermore, officials should prioritize recruiting competent personnel, equipping healthcare networks and hospitals with adequate human resources, and destigmatizing mental illness and suicide among the general public.