Religion and suicide are closely related which can be seen already by reviewing the literature that highlights the preventive role of religion in the prevention of suicidal behaviour. Desirous of thorough phenomenological understanding of the meaning which individuals attach to their religiousness, the Crisis Intervention Unit of the University Psychiatric Clinic Ljubljana conducted fourteen semi-structured interviews. Data thus obtained was analysed in compliance with hermeneutic-phenomenological approach to the interpretative phenomenological analysis. Data processing resulted in six interrelated phenomena which describe the experiences of individuals. Phenomena refer to various aspects of religiousness (Faith as cornerstone for self-confidence; Faith as additional source of strength in coping with distress; Community, cohesion, adherence; Church in the service of believers), represent the complexity of suicide (Suicide is a solitary act) and highlight the importance of individual’s religion in the process of coping with distress (Life and suffering have meaning). The discussion emphasizes the importance of relationships the individuals establish with themselves, with their God, with other believers and with the Church as institution. The emphasis is also on the importance of role the community cohesion has in an individual’s life. A special attention is given to placing the preventive aspects of religion within the suicidal process. Based on the results, we support the integration of individual's spirituality in the process of mental distress treatment, and we encourage the Catholic Church to empower the pastoral workers for the work in this field.
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