The nurse's role in suicide prevention

by Terri Goodman

Suicide is a complex and tragic issue. Hardly any patient population is immune (neonates come to mind), but groups are at high risk. The suicide rate for males is 400 percent higher than females, with males over 75 comprising the largest proportion. On the other hand, suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth and young adults between 10 and 24 years of age. Contributing factors to suicide ideation include anxiety and depression, social isolation and disconnection, and life stressors such as relationship breakdowns, job loss, and chronic pain or chronic illness. The intensity of the contributing factors varies among victims; what’s manageable for some proves overwhelming for others. The commonality, the constant among suicide victims is the feeling of hopelessness.

Nurses are uniquely positioned to intervene in suicide prevention. Nurses are caring and compassionate and highly skilled in patient assessment. The combination of establishing a connection with the patient, a keen eye for observing patient behavior, and skill in gathering patient data empowers the nurse to identify individuals at risk for suicide. The nurse who is knowledgeable about suicide and aware of resources for potentially suicidal patients can facilitate a healthy ending and forestall a tragic death. The topic is sensitive and must be addressed openly and with compassion.

Suicide is a significant public health concern, affecting individuals and communities worldwide. The tragic loss of an individual to suicide leaves profound pain in its wake. Prevention is the goal, but suicide can only be prevented when a vulnerable individual transitions from hopelessness to hope, and that transition is always facilitated by the care and concern of someone else…. Someone who provides the support and the resources the individual desperately needs, but is unable to access alone.

Active listening coupled with assessment data can help the nurse identify patients who are experiencing stress and hopelessness that they are not able to share openly and intentionally. A nurse who recognizes the warning signs of suicide can engage the patient in conversation. Nurses can ask directly and compassionately if the patient is experiencing suicidal ideation. Asking does not plant the idea; it opens the door for conversation. The nurse can be a source of hope and the doorway to the resources the patient needs.

Excellent tools are available to nurses for learning more about suicide. Knowledge is power, and the more one knows about a topic, the more comfortable they are dealing with it. Annually, the Texas Suicide Prevention Collaboration sponsors a symposium with leading experts and inspiring speakers. Registration is free and nurses are encouraged to attend. The suicide prevention community believes strongly in the power of healing and the importance of human connection. Suicide prevention is not just about crisis intervention; it's about fostering a society where mental health is prioritized, where seeking help is normalized, and where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued. Nurses should be at the forefront, shining light on this critical issue and offering hope to those who need it most.