Role of Psychiatric Nurses in Suicide Prevention: Aligned with SDG 3
Keywords:
Suicide Prevention; Psychiatric Nursing; Mental Health; Risk Factors; Therapeutic Communication; Crisis Intervention; Nursing Challenges; Global Health, SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).Abstract
Suicide is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths worldwide, claiming more than 700,000 lives each year and disproportionately affecting young people and individuals with mental health disorders. The growing prevalence of suicide underscores the need for effective prevention strategies, with psychiatric nurses playing a pivotal role due to their close and continuous interaction with patients. This study examines the role of psychiatric nurses in suicide prevention, highlighting their responsibilities in suicide risk assessment, therapeutic communication, crisis intervention, family involvement, and advocacy. It also explores the challenges faced by psychiatric nurses, including inadequate training, stigma, heavy workloads, and emotional burnout, which hinder their ability to maximize their preventive role. The findings suggest that empowering psychiatric nurses through targeted training, policy support, and systemic reforms can significantly enhance suicide prevention efforts and reduce the global burden of suicide.
