When a colleague commits suicide. Interview by Bruce P. Mericle

1. When a fellow nurse commits suicide, we experience a range of feelings not unlike others (including our patients) feel. 2. As psychiatric nurses, we may deny our feelings in order to appear normal and/or in control. Because of our professional roles we may want to be viewed as being immune to mental problems. 3. When a colleague dies, it is important that we heed the advice we often give our patients. Talk about your experience and allow yourself to feel whatever it is you are feeling. We will probably feel guilty, but we must realize that the person who commits suicide is ultimately responsible for that act. 4. Psychiatric nursing should promote efforts that encourage professionals to seek mental health services when they are needed. If it is okay to have problems, then it is okay to seek help.