NURSES' ROLE IN SUICIDE PREVENTION

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the role of nurses in promoting mental health and preventing suicide. This is a descriptive and exploratory narrative literature review conducted in the Virtual Health Library (VHL) from April to August 2025. It included articles published between 2010 and 2025, in Portuguese, available in full and free of charge. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 17 studies were selected for analysis. The results showed that suicide has multifactorial causes, involving psychological, biological, and socioeconomic aspects. Nurses, as frontline providers, play an essential role in early identification of risk signs, providing humane support, including families in the care process, and promoting protective factors. It is concluded that the continuous training of nursing professionals and the implementation of effective public policies are fundamental to expanding the prevention and adequate management of cases of suicidal behavior, contributing to the preservation of life, and strengthening of mental health.