Safety Plan that could help to save more lives

THERE is rarely one cause for suicide, but specific pressures female nurses face may increase their vulnerability.

Nurses experience a range of stresses and have significant responsibilities with high expectations.

They may work under pressure in difficult circumstances. And like many others in healthcare, nurses may avoid talking about stress, mental ill health and suicide.

Female nurses may have a greater role at home, and struggle to look after themselves while caring for both patients and their own families.

Such non-stop pressure may take its toll on their mental health. Financial worries and debt have also been linked to suicidal thoughts.

Suicide is always tragic but thankfully rare. It is important to know that people considering suicide can be supported through their distress to recovery. Being compassionate and having the confidence to talk to someone in distress, and motivate them to get help, can all have a positive impact.

As well as tackling NHS work pressure, nursing students should be taught more about dealing with the emotional burden of caring for others.

As well as the technical side of training, self-care should be given equal status.

All nurses should be encouraged to make a Safety Plan, a mental health equivalent of putting on a car seat belt. A Safety Plan is a personal set of measures to help keep someone safe in times of distress – including who to contact for support if needed.

Free online help in making a Safety Plan is available at StayingSafe.net.