Rise in suicidal nurses sparks call for counselling for 'mental health pandemic'
Nursing chiefs are calling for a dedicated counselling service to help combat the rise in suicidal nurses.
Mental health specialist Chantal Rose told the Royal College of Nursing’s congress in Brighton she was treating more of her peers than at any stage in her 25-year career.
She said yesterday: “I have more fellow nurses on my caseload than ever... and it breaks my heart.
“I could be next, because actually, I’ve worked too hard. I’ve tried to help too many people.”
Her warning comes after suicide attempts by nurses rose 62% from 2020 to 2022, according to mental health charity the Laura Hyde Foundation. More than 360 nurses attempted to take their own lives in 2022, it said.
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Experts warn of 'pandemic of mental health problems' among nursing staff (Getty Images)Proposing the plan for a new counselling service, advanced nurse practitioner Ruth Bailey said Covid-19 had a devastating impact on frontline staff.
She warned there was a now a further “pandemic of mental health problems [among] staff who stepped up in times of emergency” and an increasing risk of suicide.
RCN director of England Patricia Marquis said: “There is a stress and anxiety crisis in this profession... as professionals try to cope and do more with less. When nursing staff need health support, they deserve it and should not face barriers and delays.”
A Department of Health spokeswoman said: “Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the workforce is of the utmost importance, which is why the NHS is providing ongoing support for staff.
“This includes targeted psychological support and treatment and a national support service for those with more complex mental health needs...”
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