Suicide Prevention & Postvention Navigation Guide

Touched by Suicide

A Guide for Health and Care Professionals: Preventing, Responding, and Recovering

Why this guide is needed

Nearly every health and care professional will be touched by suicide - whether through the loss of a patient or colleague, personal mental health struggles, or supporting others on their team who are affected. The impact of suicide ripples far beyond the individual - spanning grief, guilt, workplace trauma, and organisational strain.

In the UK, one doctor dies by suicide every three weeks, while one nurse takes their own life every single week.

Research shows that health and care professionals face significantly higher suicide risk than the general population, especially female doctors and nurses, who may be 23% or more at risk compared to peers.

At NHS Practitioner Health, we understand how complex and personal these experiences can be. This guide is designed to support health and care professionals in responding compassionately and confidently at every stage - before, during, and after a suicide-related crisis.

Whether you’re concerned about someone, responding to a death, or navigating your own wellbeing, this resource brings together the tools, language, and guidance you need, all in one place. Our hope is that it will empower you to respond with confidence, compassion and care.

You are never alone.

NHS Practitioner Health