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DiversityNursing Blog

Combating Depression and Suicide in Nursing

Posted by Ryanna Brown

Tue, Sep 19, 2023 @ 01:40 PM

Depression and suicide are significant concerns in the field of Nursing, and it is crucial that we address these issues head-on. The mental health of Nurses plays a vital role not only in their own well-being but also in the quality of care they provide to their patients. The demanding nature of the profession, coupled with the high-stress environments they work in, can contribute to the development of depression.

Long hours, emotional strain, and exposure to traumatic situations can take a toll on a Nurse's mental health. The constant pressure to perform at their best, coupled with the responsibility of caring for the lives of others, can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and despair. It is essential we recognize the signs of depression and suicidal ideation in Nurses and provide them with the necessary support they need. 

During Suicide Prevention Month (September), we have a unique opportunity to raise awareness about these issues and take steps to support Nurses who may be struggling. It is important to note that suicide prevention efforts in Nursing should not be limited to a single month. Continued advocacy and support for Nurses' mental health should be ongoing priorities. 

Here are some key points to consider:

Prevalence of Depression in Nursing: Nurses often work in high-stress environments, and the demands of the profession can contribute to the development of depression. Long hours, emotional strain, and exposure to traumatic situations can all take a toll on a Nurse's mental health.

Studies have shown that Nurses are at a higher risk of developing depression compared to the general population. 

Furthermore, the pressure to provide the best possible care adds an additional layer of stress. They are responsible for the lives and well-being of their patients, and any mistakes or perceived failures can weigh heavily on their conscience. This constant pressure to perform at their best can lead to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and ultimately contribute to the development of depression. 

Suicide Risk: Nurses, like many healthcare professionals, may be at a higher risk of suicide due to the stress and emotional toll of their work. It's crucial to recognize the signs of depression and suicidal ideation in Nurses and provide them with appropriate support.

Awareness and Education: Healthcare organizations and institutions can focus on educating Nurses and other healthcare professionals about the signs of depression and suicide risk. Training programs and resources should be made available to help staff identify these issues in themselves and their colleagues. 

Warning signs

Something to look out for when concerned that a person may be suicidal is a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors. This is of sharpest concern if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss, or change. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do.

Talk- If a person talks about:

  • Killing themselves
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Having no reason to live
  • Being a burden to others
  • Feeling trapped
  • Unbearable pain


Behavior- Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss or change:

  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs
  • Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods
  • Withdrawing from activities
  • Isolating from family and friends
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Aggression
  • Fatigue


Mood- People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Loss of interest
  • Irritability
  • Humiliation/Shame
  • Agitation/Anger
  • Relief/Sudden Improvement

Destigmatizing Mental Health: Reducing the stigma around mental health is essential in Nursing and healthcare in general. Nurses should feel comfortable seeking help for depression or suicidal thoughts without fear of professional repercussions.

Support Systems: Healthcare institutions should establish support systems, including access to mental health services, counseling, and peer support programs. Providing these resources can make a significant difference in helping Nurses cope with the challenges of their profession.

Workplace Stress Reduction: Hospitals and healthcare organizations should also focus on reducing workplace stressors where possible. This can include implementing strategies to manage Nurse-patient ratios, providing adequate breaks, and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

Encourage Self-Care: Nurses should be encouraged to prioritize self-care and seek ways to manage their stress outside of work. This may involve activities like exercise, mindfulness, and spending quality time with loved ones.

Check-Ins and Communication: Supervisors and colleagues should regularly check in with their Nursing staff and create an open and supportive environment where they can discuss their mental health concerns without judgment.

Access to Crisis Hotlines: Ensure that Nurses are aware of and have access to crisis hotlines and mental health resources, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) or text 988.

Continued Advocacy: Suicide prevention efforts should not be limited to a single month. Continued advocacy and support for Nurses' mental health should be an ongoing priority.

It's crucial to remember Nurses play a vital role in patient care, and their well-being is closely tied to the quality of care they provide. Addressing depression and suicide is not only a matter of supporting healthcare professionals, but also ensuring the safety and well-being of patients.

Topics: mental health, depression, suicide, Nurse suicide, Suicide in Nursing, mental health awareness, mental health nursing

Hospitals Seeing Increase In Children and Teen Suicide Attempts

Posted by Erica Bettencourt

Mon, Jun 07, 2021 @ 03:31 PM

mentalhealth-1Hospitals are seeing more cases of severe depression and suicidal thoughts among children, particularly attempts to overdose. 

The coronavirus pandemic has drastically changed the way children and teens learn, play and socialize. Many studies found forced isolation and loneliness among children correlated with an increased risk of depression.

Children’s Hospital Colorado, declared a "State of Emergency" in youth mental health. Jena Hausmann, CEO said, "It has been devastating to see suicide become the leading cause of death for Colorado’s children." 

According to the CDC, the proportion of children who arrived in emergency departments with mental health issues increased 24% from March through October 2020, compared with the same period in 2019. Among preteens and adolescents, it rose by 31%. 

Matthew Davis, MD, MAPP, Chair of the Department of Medicine at Lurie Children’s, emphasized the need for accessible, affordable mental health care for pediatric patients has greatly increased because of the pandemic. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 parents said they were unable to access  mental or behavioral health care for their child at some point, most often because they could not find a specialty provider, they could not afford it, or they could not get an appointment in a timely fashion.

Some hospitals like Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Ohio report running at full capacity and having more children “boarding,” or sleeping in EDs before being admitted to the psychiatric unit. 

Terrie Andrews, a Psychologist and Administrator of behavioral health at Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Florida said, "Up to 25 children have been held on surgical floors while waiting for a spot to open in the inpatient psychiatric unit. Their wait could last as long as five days."

Hospitals are not only seeing a higher volume of patients, but these patients have more intense illnesses.

Dr. Jennifer Downs, a pediatric psychiatrist at Connecticut Children’s said, “Instead of seeing kids who are saying, ‘I’m thinking about suicide,’ we’re seeing kids who have had attempts. Instead of seeing kids who are maybe brought in because of parents who feel that they’re verbally out of control, yelling, screaming, saying awful things, we’re seeing kids who are having physical aggression.”

According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, if you notice any of the following symptoms in your children, be sure to contact your child’s Physician as soon as possible:

– unusual changes in mood, such as ongoing irritability, feelings of hopelessness or rage, and frequent conflicts with friends and family
– changes in behavior, such as stepping back from personal relationships
– a loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
– a hard time falling or staying asleep, or starting to sleep all the time
– changes in appetite, weight, or eating patterns
– problems with memory, thinking, or concentration
– less interest in schoolwork and drop in academic effort
– changes in appearance, such as lack of basic personal hygiene
– an increase in risky or reckless behaviors, such as using drugs or alcohol

If you have contemplated suicide or someone you know has talked about it, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or use the online Lifeline Chat, both available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Topics: mental health, depression, children, teens, suicide, attempted suicide, overdose

She told him to get back in the truck

Posted by Pat Magrath

Mon, Jun 19, 2017 @ 02:50 PM

0ddea7c3cbfc4d408c0ae6307490e386-0ddea7c3cbfc4d408c0ae6307490e386-0.jpegThere were many texts, but it was the incomprehensible text encouraging a young man to get back in the truck that sent him to his death. Perhaps you haven’t heard of this story. It started as local news in Massachusetts, but when it went to trial, it became national news.
 
It is the senseless, shocking, and tragic story of a suicidal young man and a young woman who communicated primarily through texting about their depression and suicidal thoughts. He had attempted suicide before, but with her encouragement, he finally succeeded. This case received a lot of attention because the young woman, accused of involuntary manslaughter, was not physically present when he died. Yet through texting, she shamed and encouraged him to complete the act. Why? What was her motivation and what was she thinking?
170610114404-michelle-carter-conrad-roy-split-exlarge-169.jpeg
To learn more about this story, please read and then share your thoughts with our community. What do you think about the verdict? What should her sentence be? Clearly there are mental health issues here. Do you think she should be held accountable?
 
Learn more about the case here www.boston.com
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Topics: laws, depression, Massachusetts, suicide, michelle carter, national news

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