‘Not Angels but Humans’ An Exploratory Qualitative Study of Female Nurses With Lived Experience of Self‐Harm and Suicidal Behaviours

ABSTRACT

Aims

To explore the experiences of qualified nurses who have lived experience of self-harm (with or without suicidal intent) during nursing training or practice. Specifically, to examine characteristics and contributing factors and ideas for tailored suicide prevention interventions.

Design

Exploratory qualitative study.

Methods

Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight qualified female nurses who had self-harmed during nursing training or practice. Participants were recruited from three NHS hospital Trusts. Data were collected between June and September 2023 and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes were generated: (1) ‘I don't think work triggered it, but I don't think it helped’: characteristics and contributors to self-harm, (2) ‘You're a nurse now you can't talk about that’: nursing culture and barriers to workplace support seeking, (3) ‘Are you a nurse or are you a lived experience practitioner – can you be both?’: navigating a dual identity as a nurse with lived experience and (4) ‘We need the permission that it's ok to put us first’: workplace support and suggestions for suicide prevention.

Conclusion

Participants described their experiences of self-harm, including citing a range of contributory factors, with occupational issues being particularly salient. Cultural expectations and stigma prevented help-seeking and unique challenges regarding being both a clinician and an individual who has self-harmed were described. Reflections and perspectives on workplace and independent mental health support for nurses were shared.

Implications for the Profession

Potential avenues for suicide prevention interventions tailored for the nursing profession may include challenging nursing culture and promoting help-seeking, peer support opportunities and implementation of education surrounding mental health and well-being in nursing curricula.

Reporting Method

Reporting complied with the COREQ.

Patient or Public Contribution

The topic guide and participant information sheet were developed in consultation with a group of qualified and student nurses with lived experience of suicidal thoughts and behaviours.