Understanding Self-Harm and Suicide for Nurses and Health Practitioners

This practical book equips nurses and health practitioners with essential knowledge and skills for understanding and supporting people experiencing suicidal thoughts and engaging in self-harm. Exploring why people might experience suicidal ideation or feelings, or use self-harm, this skills-based book emphasises core skills a health practitioner needs to respond effectively and compassionately, dispelling myths and misconceptions that fuel stigma. It is informed throughout from service user perspectives and includes examples of good practice, suggestions for small changes that make meaningful differences, and reflective activities. Promoting practice that enables people experiencing suicidal thoughts and engaging in self-harm to feel safer and more hopeful and to function at their best, this guide is an essential read for all health professionals.