The issue of suicide in D. W. Winnicott's theory

Abstract

Winnicott's concern over the question of suicide was constant, and despite not having published texts which were specific to this theme, he mentioned it in a great number of articles over the duration of his work. In some of his works, these concerns were highlighted by the evaluation of potential risks of suicide due to the extreme vulnerability not only of the patients that had regressed to the stages of maximum dependency, but also to those whose illnesses could be hidden by the mantle of apparent normality. In some cases, the Winnicottian analyst should seriously consider the fact that, for the patient, suicide may appear to be the only alternative to permanent submission of their true self. From this point of view, the Winnicottian practice for suicide demonstrates characteristics which are quite different from those of regular analytical practices based on impulsiveness, as the availability and reality of the analyst’s presence, as well as their capacity to carry out primitive communication with the patient should overcome the necessity of the doctor to make interpretations.