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Suicidal thoughts - Mental health

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.

In short:

Burnout, trauma, a demanding job, substance use, health challenges, gender and age. Any or all or none of these factors can lead to overwhelm and dark thoughts – there’s no single cause. Take the first step – have a conversation about how you are feeling. 

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). 

You don't have to be in crisis to reach out

Suicidal thoughts exist on a spectrum. Some people experience fleeting thoughts that frighten them but feel manageable. Others carry them quietly for a long time without telling anyone. Many people sit somewhere in between – not in immediate danger, but not okay either.

You don't need to be at a breaking point to call us. If these thoughts are part of what you're experiencing – even if they feel occasional, distant, or hard to name – that's enough of a reason to talk.

We're not a crisis service. But we are here for the full range of experiences, and our clinicians are experienced nurses and midwives who understand what you carry into and out of every shift.

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 – and they can be hard to talk about, especially in a profession where your used to be the one who is okay.

It’s okay if you’re not sure how to put things into words. You don't have to figure it out before you call. We’ll listen without judgement, 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.

When you call us, you'll speak with a peer support clinician who is a nurse or midwife themselves. They understand the culture, the pressures, and the particular challenges of your profession in a way others might not understand.

You can talk about what's been building up, how those thoughts make you feel, and what's been getting in the way of getting support. You don't need to have answers. You just need to make the call. Your counsellor can help you work out what kind of support will help most – ongoing counselling, connecting with a GP or specialist, or simply having someone to talk to while things feel unsteady.

Everything you share is confidential.

If you’re worried about a colleague

Trust your instincts if you’re feeling concerned about someone you know. Asking “Are you ok?” is a simple and useful start. There’s no need to worry that you might plant the idea with this simple question.

Call us to talk about how you might best approach 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

References

Updated