Background: Psychiatrists and psychologists who manage suicide cases are frequently exposed to substantial psychological stress, which may affect their mental health and professional performance. Understanding these challenges is essential to ensure ethical support for mental healthcare professionals. Aim: This study aimed to explore the psychological impact of managing suicide cases on psychiatrists and psychologists in Saudi Arabia, identify their coping mechanisms, and examine the ethical challenges and support needs associated with such exposure. Methods: This cross-sectional qualitative study employed a phenomenological research design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 psychiatrists and psychologists from different regions of Saudi Arabia. The interviews explored participants’ experiences, perceived stressors, coping strategies, and ethical challenges related to managing suicide cases. Results: The findings revealed significant stress and burnout among participants, exacerbated by high workload, financial pressures, and limited institutional support. Participants reported psychological distress including anxiety, helplessness, sadness, anger, emotional exhaustion, psychological fatigue, depressive symptoms, and sleep disturbances. Ethical challenges included issues related to confidentiality, balancing autonomy and beneficence, and cultural sensitivity. Participants highlighted the importance of coping strategies, including professional supervision, peer support groups, training programs, and personal self-care practices. Conclusion: Addressing the ethical obligations toward mental health professionals exposed to suicide-related cases is essential for safeguarding their well-being and maintaining quality patient care. Implementing structured support systems, increasing awareness, ensuring adequate rest periods, enhancing financial and institutional support, and promoting healthy coping practices are critical steps. Strengthening these measures may improve the sustainability and effectiveness of mental health services in Saudi Arabia while supporting professionals working with individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Alkamli et al. (Thu,) studied this question.