Suicidal thoughts

Content warning

This article discusses experiences of suicidal thoughts and psychological distress, which may be confronting or triggering for some readers. If you need support at any time, please contact:

Lifeline on 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, or
000 in an emergency

You’re not alone - help is available.

Nurses and midwives are at greater risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts compared to their healthcare colleagues and the general community, with higher rates of suicide reported across the professions (Milner, 2016 and Bismark, 2022).

Overwhelm, numbness, wanting it to stop

Sometimes you can feel overwhelmed, numb, or like you just want the pain to stop. These feelings can be heavy, frightening, and isolating.

It’s okay if you’re not sure how to get through it; you’re not alone in feeling this way. Reaching out is a brave first step, and we’re here to meet you there. We’ll listen without judgment, hold space with you and help you find a way forward.

Risks factors for everyone

Thoughts of suicide can stem from burnout, depression, anxiety, trauma, or PTSD. Substance use, physical health challenges, gender and age can also play a role. Being younger and female are known risk factors.

There’s no single cause. For nurses and midwives, some contributing factors include:

the emotionally and psychologically demanding nature of the job
long, often irregular hours
an unpredictable work-life balance
limited autonomy or control
access to medications and other means

(Bismark, 2022)

Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, at any stage of life or career. Suicide is one of the most serious outcomes of psychosocial harm, and it’s something we must talk about with care and compassion.

Talking can help

Talking about these thoughts and starting to process how you are feeling, can be overwhelming, exhausting and confusing.

Addressing suicidal thoughts may take time, but our experienced nurses and midwives can listen and help you navigate to a safer space.

Remember, you’re not alone. For a compassionate, judgement-free, confidential chat, call us 1800 001 060.

If you’re worried about a colleague or someone close to you, call us to talk about how you might best broach it with them or find out more through the RUOK campaign – “How to ask R U OK?”

“I thought, I’m failing at everything. People would be better off if I wasn’t here. Feelings of failing my family were ever present. I realised I was failing them anyway, and perhaps dying was the other option. I didn’t want that.”

Terry RN

Read Terry's story