The simple answer is, sometimes. Not every suicide can be prevented, but some can. The
national suicide prevention line is available to help anyone that feels they
may harm themselves.
Patients on Suicide Watch
A nurse was treating a patient that had undergone
surgery and was not doing well. When the
patient was speaking to her mom, she indicated she would take her own
life. Her mom visited the next day and
casually mentioned this to her nurse. The nurse followed protocol, and suicide prevention procedures. The patient was moved to an area where she
could be constantly observed, and all objects were removed from her room that
could potentially pose harm to her. The
nurse explained to her mom that the threats would be taken seriously, however
the mom insisted it was a cry for attention and they should not worry.
The fact is, the mom may have been right. On the other hand, the mom may have been
wrong, and if she was it would cost a life. In this case the patient got better, and was treated by a psychiatrist
until she was back to her old self. The
nurse in this case did exactly the right thing, it is never acceptable to
ignore a threat of someone taking their own life.
What Leads People to Suicidal Thoughts?
This is an open-ended question, as there are as many answers,
some of which no one has even considered. Depression is the number one reason people consider taking their own
life. There is not often a clear
understanding of why someone would give up on living, however no one person can
know exactly how another feel. Depressed
patients suffer from depressive thoughts and emotions to the point that they
feel hopeless. In most cases, they feel
that loved ones would be much better off without them, so there is no concern
regarding leaving loved ones behind. There is also a misconception that strong successful people do not
suffer from depression, or take their own lives. This is completely wrong, depression crosses
every boundary in life and can play a part in a life, regardless of success or
strength. Think of some very famous
people that have taken their own life, many people wonder why, it would seem
they had it all. They may have in fact
had it all materially, however depression does not stop because you have money
or fame. That feeling of hopelessness
and doom is a very strong emotion and difficult to control.
If a person says they are having suicidal thoughts, it
is a serious situation. Even if you
don’t believe they will do it, the words themselves are a cry for help. Hospitals will admit a person that could
potentially harm themselves, regardless of financial means. There are also many mental health centers
that attach fees to services based on income, so that no one is turned away.
Should a patient be under your care while hospitalized,
and indicate they are having suicidal thoughts, it should be reported
immediately to the proper authority. Many hospitals have a mental health crises team that is on call 24/7,
and they can evaluate a patient that has made suicidal threats. Until assistance does arrive, attempt to have
someone with the patient at all times, and remove anything they could use to potentially
harm themselves or someone else. Blind
cords, sheets, plastic bags, pens/pencils, are all things that could be used
for harmful purposes.
You should follow your employer guidelines regarding
notification of a suicide threat or attempt. If the patient has family and has given consent for them to have
information to their medical condition, in most cases the family will be
notified.
As a nurse, treating a variety of patients, you may be
the first line of defense in suicide prevention. Learn to recognize those symptoms of a
patient being withdrawn, and not wanting visitors. This is often accompanied by the feeling of
hopelessness, refusal to eat, and a lack of hygiene. Proper mental health professionals should be
consulted and can work with the patient.
Not every suicide can be prevented, but even one life
saved is worth the effort.
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