“You get tired of remaining in a state of fear“- professionals’ experiences of self-care facing suicidality in psychiatric wards

Figures & data

Table I. Characteristics of the participants.

Years of work experience in mental health service: 5–22 (§ 15)

Current place of work: Six units in psychiatric wards in two hospitals, of which five acute units and one subacute unit

Profession:

Nurse (Eight) Social worker (Three) Social educator (One)

Gender:

Men (Three); Women (Nine)

§=The average sum of experiences in mental healthcare.

Table II. Phases in the interpretation process.

Examples of quotations	Searching for potential themes	Themes
– That’s the worst thing really, when they are on leave and don’t return at the agreed time … everyone is a little stressed by it//In a way, you have to allow yourself to be a little stressed//I get anxious//It is not good to be anxious, but it is good at any rate to acknowledge it.	– Recognize your own anxiety and fear of suicide – Watch to give responsibility back to the patient himself	Enduring own emotions
– it’s important to have that contact, relationship, and you’ll need to spend time building it. But, on the other hand, you shouldn’t spend too much time, because then you will wear yourself out and be incredibly exhausted from always being in a state of uncertainty.	– Spend time on building the relationship in cases involving a risk of suicide – Be emotionally accessible, but acknowledge the need for a break from responsibility	Balancing emotional commitment and the need to rest
– It is all right to say, “I’m very tired of this now”, and then hear a colleague say “Yes, I understand, because I’ve been there during the past weekend” - that way you know that you both share the same feeling. It lays the foundation for a shared experience, and that feels good.	– Experience openness, generosity and collaboration in the working environment – Find support in the fact that colleagues recognize their own reactions	Being together in the community of colleagues