Fear of death and suicidal cycle: Checking points and possibilities for an exit out of the vicious circle

<p><strong>Context and relevance.</strong> There is no unified perspective on the problem of suicide in suicidology so far, though there are some proposals of integrative models, which try to capture the phenomenology and explain suicidal behavior for helping professionals. <strong>Objective.</strong> The paper deals with the problem of repeated suicidal behavior. <strong>Hypothesis.</strong> A model is suggested to explain the repeated suicidal behavior. <strong>Methods and materials.</strong> The contemporary theories are analyzed (terror management theory, interpersonal psychological theory of suicide by T. Joiner, 3-step theory of suicide by D. Klonsky, integrated motivational-volitional model of suicidal behavior by R. O’Connor, narrative crisis model of suicide by I. Galynker), as well as the extensive research on suicidal behavior, including depressive suicidal patients’ experience of interactions with their clinicians. <strong>Results.</strong> Conceptualization of these studies is conducted in a concise scheme of a cycle of repeated suicidal thoughts and actions. <strong>Conclusions.</strong> The suggested model for repeated suicidal behavior through intensifying the fear of death and disruption of cultural anxiety buffer allows to view the problem anew and to map out the targets for psychotherapy and counseling of suicidal patients, in order to break the vicious cycle — partly in a similar fashion as logotherapy works with phobophobia.</p>