Peer specialists and mental health nurses who work with patients who are suicidal: A comparative interview study

Both mental health care nurses and peer specialists articulated suicide literacy and understood the relevance of empathy and genuine listening in caring for patients who feel suicidal. Nevertheless, in practice, nurses are less often experienced as empathic by patients and do not always abide by shared decision making (due to prioritising risk- and safety assessment). Through their own previous suicidal crises, peer specialists are unique in their ability to break down hierarchical barriers with authentic empathetic support.