Hidden Suffering: The Nursing Role in the Prevention of Suicide Risk and Self-Harm

Abstract

Introduction. Suicide and self-harm represent major public health priorities and require timely, integrated, and multidisciplinary care. This study aimed to describe the clinical, demographic, and care-related characteristics of patients hospitalized for suicide risk, attempted suicide, and self-harming behaviors at the Psychiatric Diagnosis and Treatment Service of San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy, between 2022 and 2025. Materials and Methods. A single-center retrospective observational study was conducted including 513 patients admitted between July 1, 2022, and July 1, 2025, with diagnoses or reasons for admission related to suicide risk, suicidal ideation, attempted suicide, or self-harm. Data were extracted from the “Cure Primarie” electronic clinical platform and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Mean age across diagnostic groups was compared using one-way analysis of variance with Welch’s correction, while length of stay was compared using an independent-samples t-test. Results. Hospital admissions increased progressively over the three-year study period. The mean length of stay was 10.98 days. Suicidal ideation represented the most frequent reason for hospitalization, accounting for 51% of cases. The sex distribution was nearly balanced, and most patients were residents of the province of Ascoli Piceno. Statistically significant differences in mean age were observed across diagnostic groups (p = 0.0054). Discussion. The findings indicate an increasing burden of psychological distress and highlight the need for coordinated pathways involving hospital services, community care, and families to ensure continuity of care and reduce the risk of recurrence. Nurses play a central role in early suicide risk assessment, continuous observation, environmental safety, and the integration of clinical, relational, and organizational interventions.