Depression and Suicide

Relative to other professions, nurses are twice as likely to suffer from depression and have a higher rate of suicide than the general population. CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists and RRNAs report high levels of stress and depression, which can be a risk factor for suicide. Overall, nurses who experience burnout are twice as likely to have thoughts of suicide. 

To reduce the stigma surrounding suicide, we can begin by acknowledging its occurrence and discussing preventative measures.  

The AANA partnered with the American Nurse Association (ANA) to develop comprehensive Nurse Suicide Prevention/Resilience Resources with information and tools to build resilience, assist in active crisis, support suicide survivors and offer grief and bereavement coping strategies. 

Warning Signs 

Warning signs of suicide may present as verbal, behavioral, or a change in mood or affect.  

• Verbal signs: Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves, feeling hopeless or having no reason to live, being a burden to others. 
• Behavioral signs: Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun, increasing drug and alcohol use, sleeping too little or too much, withdrawal and isolation, aggression. 
• Mood/affect signs: Extreme mood swings, depression, loss of interest, anxiety, agitation, anger. 

Prevention 

Patients who have previously attempted suicide or were considering suicide had a reduced risk of subsequent suicide attempts after brief encounters with healthcare providers. These encounters were linked to a significantly higher chance of accessing follow-up care within three months. 

Healthcare organizations are encouraged to offer a screening program, such as the Healer Education, Assessment and Referral (HEAR) program at UCSD Health.

Where to Get Help

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts: 

• Visit your primary healthcare or mental health professional, or call 911. 
• Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. 
• Text HOME to 741741 and chat with a trained crisis counselor 24/7 from the Crisis Text Line for free.  
• Service members and veterans in crisis can call the Military Crisis Line/Veterans Crisis Line for confidential support 24/7: call 988, ext. 1; text 838255; or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/get-help-now/chat