Experiences of Women with a History of Parasuicide in the Selected District Hospital in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

Background: Parasuicide is a serious health problem worldwide, it is also the third leading cause of death among women aged between 15 and 35 years.Women experience parasuicide more than men in the African continent.The World Health Organisation has stated that every thirty seconds there is an individual trying to attempt suicide.Objective(s): To explore the emotional and psychological struggles faced by women with history of parasuicide, and further, the coping mechanisms and resilience strategies used by women with a history of parasuicide in the selected hospital in the Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.Methods: In this study, a phenomenological research design was used to determine experiences of women with a history of parasuicide.The study was conducted at one of the district hospitals in the Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.Ten women who committed parasuicide at least 6 months ago and longer, during the time of the data collection, were selected purposively.Data were collected using a reflective diary in which participants manually or digitally recorded their experiences, thoughts, emotions, actions and journeys around the subject.Participants were recruited at the Outpatient Department, Psychology Department and even in the community, using the pamphlets.Data collection and data analysis ran concurrently.Data were analysed using Tech's open coding method.Results: Four themes emerged as follows: the experiences of women with history of parasuicide, perceived impact of self-harm, suggestions for suicide prevention strategies and current coping strategies.Conclusion: Measures must be implemented to tackle the alterable psychosocial risk factors for suicide, while suitable pharmacological treatment is established for concurrent mental health disorders.Support and psychoeducation must be provided to the immediate family members of patients exhibiting suicidal behaviour for their own welfare and to enhance their capacity to assist the patient.