Preventing Workplace Suicide
September is suicide prevention month and employers are putting more emphasis than ever on good mental health. We spend a lot of time at work, which puts management and co-workers in a unique position to identify when someone needs support. One of the best ways to support employees is to educate them.
START BY MAKING A PLAN
- Organize: Create policies and procedures for education and training, supporting an employee at risk and responding to a suicide attempt or death in the workplace.
- Educate: Train managers and co-workers to identify someone who may need help and be prepared to confidently respond to those who are at risk for suicide
- Environment: Foster a workplace with open communication and respect. Destigmatize topics like mental health and suicide by having open and honest conversations about them.
- Support: Provide programs and resources to support employees, including EAP’s with counseling and support for mental and physical health, substance abuse and relationships.
- Respond: Take talk of suicide seriously. If an employee is at immediate risk, dial 911. Do not leave them alone, but make sure they are in a private, safe location. Encourage them to contact the Suicide Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
KNOW THE RED FLAGS
- Making statements or threats to harm/kill themselves
- Talking, writing, or drawing about wanting to die
- Looking to secure a means to complete suicide
- Dramatic mood changes
- Inability to sleep or sleeping all the time
- Uncontrolled anger or agression
- Withdrawing from family, friends or activities
- Giving away personal possessions
Additional Resources: 988lifeline.org, https://youturnhealth.com/suicide-prevention-resources/
*source: https://www.bethelto.com/. https://youturnhealth.com
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