“I still think there’s like a huge stigma”: Understanding suicide-related stigma among those with lived experiences

This 2025 study aims to address two research questions:

• Firstly, what is the experience of suicide-related stigma among people with a history of suicidal ideation or suicide attempt(s)?
• The second aim is to understand whether the experiences of suicide-related stigma thematically differ between those with a history of suicidal ideation and those with a history of suicide attempt(s)?

Thirty participants took part in one-to-one interviews about their experiences of suicide-related stigma. Both groups (suicidal thoughts group and suicide attempts group) described similar experiences of suicide-related stigma.

Suicide-related stigma often made them feel more suicidal, unsupported, and hesitant to seek help.

This research is a valuable addition to the evidence base on suicide-related stigma. It highlights that experiences are similar regardless of whether an individual has experienced suicidal thoughts and/or suicide attempt(s).