For HR representatives, supervisors, and managers, the prospect of a colleague or employee contemplating suicide can be overwhelming. Questions about roles, boundaries, and appropriate intervention methods often arise. How do you assess if someone is at risk? What’s the best way to intervene if a risk is detected?

This blog offers a guide to recognizing warning signs, providing prevention tips, and offering postvention strategies in the unfortunate event of a workplace suicide. It also shares ways to support those who may have lost a colleague to suicide.

Warning Signs

Recognizing the warning signs of suicide is key to preventing a tragedy. Some common indicators include:

1. Talking or writing about death: Statements like “I wish I were dead” or “The world would be better off without me” are red flags.
2. Seeking access to weapons or pills: Someone may actively seek out dangerous means if they are considering suicide.
3. Putting affairs in order: Making a will, or tying up loose ends, might signal they are preparing to leave for good.
4. Appearing down, depressed, or hopeless: A noticeable decline in mood is often a sign of suicidal thoughts.
5. Isolation: A person who begins to withdraw from social situations, work, or interactions with others may be suffering from major depression.
6. Engaging in risky behavior: Increased use of alcohol or drugs, reckless driving, and other unsafe behaviors could indicate they’ve given up on life.

Assessing Risk

If you notice these behaviors, it’s important to assess the individual’s risk by considering the following factors:

1. Biopsychosocial factors: A history of trauma, substance abuse, mental health issues, or previous suicide attempts can increase risk.
2. Sociocultural factors: Being part of a marginalized group or facing barriers to mental healthcare can lead to feelings of isolation and despair.
3. Environmental factors: Recent life changes, such as a job loss or the death of a loved one, can trigger suicidal thoughts.
4. Plan, intent, or means: If someone has a specific plan to harm themselves and the means to do it, their risk level is high.

If you believe someone is in immediate danger, get them professional help, call 911, or take them to the nearest emergency room.

Prevention Tips

Long-term suicide prevention in the workplace involves creating an environment that supports mental health and reduces stigma. Here are some strategies:

1. Make help accessible: Post suicide prevention hotline numbers in common areas like lunchrooms and bathrooms.
2. Raise awareness: Ensure employees know about your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and that it’s confidential. Display EAP flyers and provide resources on community mental health services.
3. Educate employees: Offer trainings on mental health topics such as suicide, stress management, and substance abuse to destigmatize these issues.
4. Create a balanced work environment**: Offer mental health days or the option to work from home. Address conflicts quickly to maintain a supportive environment.

Postvention Tips

If your workplace has experienced a suicide, the loss can be shocking and traumatic. Here’s how to support your employees:

1. Acknowledge emotions: Give employees the space and opportunities to express their feelings.
2. Watch for PTSD symptoms: A drastic change in behavior may indicate that someone is struggling with the incident.
3. Support healthy grieving: Educate employees about the stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Keep in mind that everyone grieves differently.
4. Listen empathetically: Let employees know that it’s okay to talk openly about their feelings. Be available and approachable.
5. Model healthy grieving: Be open about your feelings regarding suicide, setting an example for others.

By understanding the warning signs, implementing prevention strategies, and offering compassionate support, you can help create a safer, more supportive workplace. Early recognition and intervention can lead to positive outcomes. Simply asking, “How are you doing?” could make a world of difference in someone’s life.

Important resources

At MINES, we strive to be a valuable resource for employees who may be facing mental health challenges or suicidal thoughts. Our licensed therapists offer free and confidential counseling 24/7 for our EAP members.

In addition to your EAP, there are numerous other resources available to support individuals who may be considering suicide. You are not alone, and these resources can provide the help you need:

• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988): Dial 988 for free, confidential support from trained crisis counselors, available 24/7 across the U.S.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to speak with someone who can provide immediate help.
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor via text, available 24/7.
• The Trevor Project: A lifeline specifically for LGBTQ+ youth. Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678678, or visit their website for chat support.
• Veterans Crisis Line: Veterans and their loved ones can dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255, for specialized support.
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Helpline: Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) for information, support, and referrals for those facing mental health challenges.
• SAMHSA National Helpline: For those seeking treatment options, call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to access a confidential, free, 24/7 helpline that provides information and referrals to local services.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Visit their website for resources on understanding and preventing suicide, as well as support for those affected by it.

These resources are here to offer support and guidance, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know is struggling. Remember, help is always available, and it’s okay to ask for it.

To Your Wellbeing,

The MINES Team

The post Suicide Prevention in the Workplace appeared first on MINES and Associates.

At MINES, we’re dedicated to supporting our community through all mental health challenges every day of the year. This National Suicide Awareness Month, we’d like to talk about the important issue of suicide, offer practical tips on how you can offer support, and provide additional resources.

If you’re having thoughts of suicide or considering ending your own life, please reach out for help immediately. Call 988 for 24/7 crisis support, or dial 911 if you’re facing an immediate emergency. Remember, you’re not alone – there are people who care about you and want to help. There is hope, and support is available.

Statistics that show why we still need suicide awareness

Unfortunately, suicide rates in the United States have crept back up to their peak in the past few years. These statistics make it clear why suicide awareness continues to be so important.

• Nearly 50,000 people in the U.S. died of suicide in 2022.
• Far more people – around 1.6 million – attempted suicide.
• Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S.
• One person dies by suicide every 11 minutes.
• Over 13 million people think seriously about suicide every year.
• People who identify as non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaskan Native and non-Hispanic white face the highest risk of dying by suicide.
• Males are 4 times more likely to die by suicide than females.
• Firearms were used in more than 50% of suicide deaths.
• Older adults (aged 85 and older) are the most likely to die by suicide.
• More than 20% of teens have seriously considered suicide.
• Suicide is now the second-leading cause of death for teenagers.

[Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Psychological Association, Population Reference Bureau]

How everyone can support suicide awareness

If you don’t work in the mental health field, it’s easy to start feeling helpless in the face of America’s suicide crisis. You might feel like there’s nothing you can do to raise awareness and support people facing this – but that’s not true. There are steps that each of us can take to raise suicide awareness and offer support for people who may be affected.

Here are some actions to take for suicide awareness, both at work and beyond.

Talk about it openly

First of all, it’s important to break the taboo of suicide and talk about it openly, just like we talk about other leading causes of death. This doesn’t mean you’re obligated to share the intimate details of your life at work or in other situations, but shying away from the topic only heightens the stigma against it. For example, if a loved one died by suicide, don’t be afraid to say that directly instead of using euphanisms.

Open discussions not only about suicide, but about mental health in general. Creating an environment where mental health is normalized can feel safer for people who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Use empathetic language

When you do talk about suicide, it’s important to use the right language. Using empathetic wording can help break the stigma against suicide and help people feel less villainized. An important example is refraining from saying that someone “committed” suicide. The term “committed” has a negative connotation, and makes the person who died seem like a criminal rather than a victim. Instead, use the more neutral phrasing, “died by suicide.”

Learn the signs and causes

An important way to contribute to suicide prevention is to commit to learning. Attend workshops, trainings, and online webinars that teach about the early signs of suicide and how to support someone who’s feeling this way. Experts say that suicide is preventable most of the time, and knowing the signs plays an important role in prevention. Plus, going to these trainings may uncover unconscious biases you may have about suicide and work toward dismantling them.

Spread awareness of resources

There are numerous free and accessible resources available to help those at risk of suicide. You can raise awareness of these resources in various ways, such as sharing them on social media, discussing them openly at work, creating flyers, or even hosting webinars. These actions can help connect people to the support they need when they’re feeling vulnerable. For example, sharing the number for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 in the U.S.) or information about local mental health services can make a huge difference. The more people are aware of these resources, the more likely they are to use them or share them with someone who might need them.

Another way to spread awareness is by advocating for mental health days or providing employees with resources related to suicide prevention in the workplace. By normalizing conversations around mental health resources, you help reduce the stigma and make it easier for someone to seek help.

Reach out

If you’re ever concerned about a loved one being at risk for suicide, don’t hesitate to reach out. It can feel scary at first, and many people worry that by bringing the topic of suicide up with their loved one, they’ll “put the idea in their head.” This is a myth – if your loved one is thinking about suicide, then approaching the topic with them is more likely to help them feel better than worse.

Reach out to anyone you’re concerned about with empathy and non-judgment. Refrain from using any language that could make them feel guilty about considering suicide. For example, don’t say, “Think about how it would impact your kids. How could you do that to them?” Instead, try saying, “That sounds really painful, and I’m worried about you. We’ll get the help you need together – you’re not alone. I’m here for you.”

Donate and/or volunteer

Lastly, if you’re passionate about this cause, consider making a donation or volunteering your time to support a mental health or suicide awareness organization. Donations help fund critical research, support services, and awareness campaigns, which makes a tangible impact on the fight against suicide. Volunteering, whether through crisis hotlines, community outreach, or local events, can provide hands-on support to those in need.

By contributing your time or resources, you become part of a larger effort to reduce stigma and support those affected by suicide. Even small contributions can lead to meaningful change – whether that’s providing comfort to someone in crisis or helping spread vital information that could save a life.

Important resources

At MINES, we strive to be a valuable resource for employees who may be facing mental health challenges or suicidal thoughts. Our licensed therapists offer free and confidential counseling 24/7 for our EAP members.

In addition to your EAP, there are numerous other resources available to support individuals who may be considering suicide. You are not alone, and these resources can provide the help you need:

• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988): Dial 988 for free, confidential support from trained crisis counselors, available 24/7 across the U.S.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to speak with someone who can provide immediate help.
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor via text, available 24/7.
• The Trevor Project: A lifeline specifically for LGBTQ+ youth. Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678678, or visit their website for chat support.
• Veterans Crisis Line: Veterans and their loved ones can dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255, for specialized support.
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Helpline: Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) for information, support, and referrals for those facing mental health challenges.
• SAMHSA National Helpline: For those seeking treatment options, call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to access a confidential, free, 24/7 helpline that provides information and referrals to local services.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Visit their website for resources on understanding and preventing suicide, as well as support for those affected by it.

These resources are here to offer support and guidance, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know is struggling. Remember, help is always available, and it’s okay to ask for it.

To Your Wellbeing,

The MINES Team

The post National Suicide Awareness Month: Why It Still Matters and Ways to Show Support appeared first on MINES and Associates.

Today, we’re spreading awareness about self-harm, including the causes, warning signs, and tips to help a young person you love.

What is self-harm (non-suicidal self-injury)?

Self-harm is when someone intentionally hurts themselves physically. The clinical name for self-harm is non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Not every incident of someone hurting themselves falls under the umbrella of NSSI; some people hurt themselves because they are suicidal. Non-suicidal self-injury describes when someone hurts themselves

The most well-known method of non-suicidal self-injury is cutting, or when people make shallow cuts on their skin. But cutting is far from the only method; others harm themselves by:

• Biting skin
• Scratching themselves
• Hitting their head against a wall
• Punching themselves
• Pulling out hair
• Burning themselves with matches or cigarettes
• Poking objects through the skin

Young people – children, adolescents, and young adults – are at the highest risk of self-harm. Research shows that over 25% of teens aged 12 to 16 had thoughts of self-harm, with at least 15% acting on these thoughts. Unfortunately, studies have shown that self-harm rates among youth increase each year, with self-harm rates among girls increasing at an especially alarming rate.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that anyone can self-harm, including boys and older adults.

Why do people self-harm?

Self-harm is highly misunderstood; many people mistake self-harm as a form of suicidal behavior. However, self-harm, at least behaviors that fall within the umbrella of non-suicidal self-injury, is not an attempt to end one’s life.

People self-harm for various reasons. Some of the most common reasons include:

• To try to feel something when they feel emotionally numb
• To distract from emotional pain by causing physical pain
• To distract their mind from upsetting thoughts or memories
• To release powerful emotions like loneliness, despair, or anger
• To punish themselves for perceived faults, mistakes, or inadequacies
• To regain a sense of control over their life
• To try to cope with a difficult experience like bullying
• Because self-harm has been so normalized among their peers

Some people don’t know why, exactly, they self-harm. This is normal.

Even though self-harm itself isn’t a suicidal behavior, research shows that teens who have self-harmed are over 3 times more likely to attempt suicide in the future than those who have never self-harmed. Young people also often accidentally put themselves in life-threatening situations while self-harming (for example, by cutting themselves deeper than they intended). Self-harm is a sign that someone is in severe emotional distress, and needs to be taken seriously.

Warning signs of self-harm

One of the first steps to helping someone who self-harms is to notice the signs. When you educate yourself on the warning signs of self-harm, you’re more likely to realize when a loved one is engaging in it.

Self-harm doesn’t have a “look,” just like depression or anxiety don’t have looks. People of any gender or age can self-harm, but young people are at higher risk.

Here are some warning signs of self-harm in teens to look out for:

• Scars (cuts, scabs, bruises, or burns), often found in clusters or patterns
• Frequent unexplained wounds or cuts
• Making excuses for wounds or cuts
• Wearing long sleeves and pants, even when it’s hot out
• Traces of blood on clothes or towels
• Suddenly seeking to do their own laundry or take out their own trash
• Hiding razors
• Withdrawing from friends and family

If a young person you love is showing these signs, then it could be that they’re self-harming – and need your support.

How to help a young person who is self-harming move towards self-love

It can be unfathomable and intensely painful to learn that someone you love, especially a teen or a young adult, is hurting themselves intentionally. It’s devastating to realize that they don’t see themselves as you see them, and you wish you could do something to help them love themselves.

Recovery from self-harm can be a long journey. It becomes an addiction in many ways; it brings temporary relief from emotional pain, and even though the person knows that it’s not a long-term solution, it may be difficult to stop.

But just because they can’t quit right away doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything to support them. A trusted adult’s support is essential for young people as they learn to love themselves and treat themselves with care.

Here are some ways you can support the young person in your life who is self-harming.

• Approach them first. It can be hard for young people to bring up the conversation. If you suspect they are hurting themselves, don’t beat around the bush. Ask them directly: “I noticed cuts on your arms. Are you hurting yourself?”
• Don’t judge, even if you don’t understand. The last thing a young person needs to hear is, “Why would you do this to yourself?” Statements like this can come from a place of caring but also tend to make young people feel misunderstood and judged.
• Focus on their pain. Acknowledge how much they must be emotionally suffering to hurt themselves in this way. Validate their feelings. Even if something doesn’t feel like a big deal to you, it’s still a big deal to them.
• Make your home safe. If the teen lives with you and is using objects, like razors, to hurt themselves, work with them to limit access to these objects.
• Connect to resources. Talk to your pediatrician to get a referral to a mental health provider. You can also get in touch with your Employee Assistance Program for referrals or counseling.
• Provide unconditional love. Let the teen know that you don’t see them differently and that their self-harm behaviors don’t change your love for them. Make it clear that your concern for them comes from love, not from shame or disgust.

There is hope. With support from a trusted adult, young people can successfully stop self-harming and learn to love themselves.

Self-harm resources for teens and young adults

If you struggle with self-harm, here are some resources that can help.

• To Write Love On Her Arms is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting people who struggle with self-injury, depression, and suicide.
• A.F.E. Alternatives is a treatment program for self-harm that also provides a wealth of information and resources.
• The Trevor Project provides phone, text, and chat support for LGBTQ+ young people facing self-injury and other mental health challenges.
• The Adolescent Self-Injury Foundation provides resources for teens and their caregivers.
• The Crisis Text Line operates 24/7.

If you (or someone else) are having a mental health emergency, dial 988.

MINES & Associates EAP is available to employees as well as their household members. All family members can receive 24/7 confidential counseling support for issues like depression, stress, and more. In addition, we provide 4 parental coaching sessions per year to teach you how to better support your teen or young adult who may be self-harming.

Take advantage of this free resource and get in touch with us today.

To Your Wellbeing,

The MINES Team

The post Self-Harm Awareness Month: Here’s How We Can Protect Our Youth appeared first on MINES and Associates.

During National Suicide Prevention Month, AFSP is highlighting a set of actions that anyone can take to bring attention to suicide prevention:

• Join a local AFSP chapter to drive change and understanding in your community.
  • With local programs and events in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, AFSP’s chapters are at the forefront of suicide prevention. Start a conversation in your community and send the message that suicide no longer hides in the shadows: connect with your local AFSP chapter to raise awareness and funds and spread hope with other AFSP volunteers through local programs, activities, and events, like the Out of the Darkness Community Walks taking place in communities nationwide this fall.
• Share information about the 988 Lifeline using 988’s Partner Toolkit, which includes social media graphics, key messages, videos, and more.
  • AFSP advocates for the funding and expanded support of the 988 Lifeline – if you want to learn more about how you can support the 988 Lifeline, read more about AFSP’s advocacy work here.
• Educate by bringing the Talk Saves Lives program to your school or workplace.
  • Knowledge and understanding deepens conversations. AFSP’s flagship education program is available in specialized modules, including TSL: Suicide Prevention Education for Workplace Settings and TSL: Latinx and Hispanic Communities – which you can bring to your community for National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sep 15-Oct 15).
• Attend an International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
  • Those who have lost a loved one to suicide often feel hesitant to tell others the type of loss they have experienced. September is a great time to spread the word about the hundreds of local and virtual “Survivor Day” events taking place each November – including Día de Esperanza (Day of Hope) for the Hispanic community – enabling survivors of suicide loss to come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through their shared experience.
• Watch a special episode of “Ask Dr. Jill”
  • Research helps us understand what leads someone to suicide, and how we may effectively save more lives. On September 13 at 3p (ET), you can tune in to a special episode of Ask Dr. Jill, featuring AFSP’s Senior Vice President of Research, Dr. Jill Harkavy-Friedman with guest Dr. Madelyn Gould, an expert on suicide contagion and reporting and storytelling practices that safely drive the national conversation. Click here to learn more.
• Connect people to help through the Interactive Screening Program (ISP)

Even when people know about available mental health services, shame, fear, and embarrassment often prevent them from seeking help. ISP is a customized platform that starts a confidential conversation that often leads people to support. Click here to learn how to bring ISP to your own school or organization.

More resources: National Suicide Prevention Month Resources

Source: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (www.afsp.org)

To Your Wellbeing,

The MINES Team

The post National Suicide Prevention Week Resources appeared first on MINES and Associates.

Around 4.8% of adults in the U.S. experience serious suicidal thoughts. Tragically, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for children aged 10 to 14; it’s the 3rd leading cause of death for young people aged 15 to 24, and the 12th leading cause of death overall.

It’s clear that suicide is a very serious and growing public health crisis that’s taking lives. But there is something that we all can do to help promote awareness and prevent suicide. This is especially true in the workplace, considering most people who die by suicide are of working age. Employee wellbeing is a cornerstone focus for the team at Mines and Associates.

In today’s MINES blog, we’ll talk in-depth about the topic of suicide, including what you can do to help.

If you’re having serious suicidal thoughts or are thinking of ending your life, there is crisis support available to you. You can dial or text 988, open an online chat with the National Lifeline, text hello to 741741, or visit your nearest emergency room.

Do you know the warning signs of suicide?

One of the most powerful ways to help prevent suicide is to learn how to recognize the warning signs that someone might be feeling suicidal. When you’re able to recognize that someone needs support, whether that be the mental wellbeing of an employee or a friend, you’re more likely to be able to help them in a timely manner.

According to the American Society for Suicide Prevention, most people who die by suicide do show at least one sign that they’re having suicidal thoughts. These warning signs are especially important to pay attention to if they’re paired with a stressful event or sudden change in the person’s life – something like a divorce, job loss, and so on.

Some of the most commonly seen warning signs for suicide include:

• Behavioral changes: You may notice sudden and unexplained shifts in behavior, like withdrawal from social interactions and isolating oneself.
• Talking about death: People who are thinking of suicide often talk a lot about feeling hopeless, wishing they were dead, or not having a reason to live. Take these things very seriously.
• Performance decline: At work, you might notice a sudden drop in performance or productivity.
• Mood swings: The person might have frequent mood swings or get irritable more easily.
• Hopelessness: Listen for expressions of hopelessness, helplessness, or feelings of being trapped.
• Searching methods of suicide: You might find out that someone has been searching for methods to end their lives or trying to gain access to a weapon. This should be taken very seriously.
• Self-criticism: Be aware of increased self-criticism or negative self-talk.
• Giving away possessions: Watch for signs of giving away personal belongings or making final arrangements.
• Saying goodbye: Be alert if someone says goodbye in a way that sounds final or unusual.
• Increased substance use: Notice an increase in alcohol or drug consumption.
• Reckless behavior: Pay attention to engaging in risky or reckless behavior without concern for consequences.

What to do to help someone who may be thinking about suicide

If you’re concerned that someone in your life is thinking of ending their life, then it’s important to act as quickly as possible. The wellbeing of employees and friends alike is very important to pay attention to. When people feel listened to and supported without judgment, they tend to feel less hopeless and overwhelmed. You can be the one to help and support a suicidal person in this way. In general, you can follow these 5 actions for suicide prevention suggested by the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:

1. Ask the person about how they’re feeling. Don’t be afraid to ask them directly if they’ve been thinking about taking their own life. Despite common misconceptions, asking people directly about suicide can actually decrease, not increase, suicidal ideation.
2. Talk to the person and listen to them with empathy. Your simple presence can make a huge difference. Check-in with the person regularly and make sure they know you’re there for them and that they matter to you.
3. People without access to lethal means (like a firearm) are much less likely to die by suicide. Take necessary actions to keep the person physically safe. For example, you might ask them if you could store their firearm or drugs for them until they’re feeling more hopeful.
4. Connect them to helpful resources. Stay with the person while they call one of the crisis resources above. Go with them to an emergency room or crisis center. Help them get in touch with their therapist. Treat the situation like the life-threatening emergency that it is.
5. Follow up with the person continuously, especially after they’ve been discharged from a hospital or another type of treatment. Don’t forget about them after the immediate crisis passes.

Suicide prevention at work: What role do employers play?

Most working-age adults spend many of their waking hours in the workplace. This means that employers have an enormous responsibility – and opportunity – to create a priority for mental health and actively support suicide prevention through employee wellbeing initiatives.

Here are some actions that employers can take. This Suicide Awareness Month, take a look at your workplace policies and culture and consider what may need to be improved.

• Raise awareness. Educate employees about available mental health resources, including hotlines, support groups, and online platforms. This information should be easily accessible and openly discussed.
• Destigmatize Mental Health Conversations. Encourage open dialogue about mental health to break down stigmas. Training sessions or workshops can help managers and employees navigate these conversations appropriately. Lead by example, and talk about your own mental health as well.
• Offer flexible work arrangements. Recognize that mental health struggles can impact your employees’ ability to work consistently. Providing flexible schedules or remote work options can alleviate stress and promote work-life balance.
• Develop comprehensive mental health policies that include guidelines for addressing concerns, accommodations, and resources. Ensure these policies are communicated clearly to all employees for their wellbeing and workplace success.
• Offer mental health training for managers and supervisors to recognize the warning signs of suicide (and other mental health concerns) and respond effectively.
• Develop a clear crisis response plan that outlines steps to take in case of a mental health emergency. This can help ensure a fast and appropriate response when an employee is in need.
• Promote an overall supportive work environment. Cultivate a workplace culture that values well-being. Recognize achievements, encourage breaks, and discourage overworking.
• Consider partnering with mental health organizations. Collaborate with local mental health organizations to access resources, training, and support for employees.

Lastly, your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a mental health resource that’s always at your disposal. The MINES & Associates EAP offers free and confidential counseling 24/7 to all of our members. Our team is staffed by doctoral-level psychologists, clinical social workers, and masters-level therapists who can provide help and support for an employee who may be in need. Employee wellbeing is important for the greater good in all of society.

To learn more, get in touch with us!

To Your Wellbeing,

The MINES Team

The post September is Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. Here’s How Employers Can Do Their Part appeared first on MINES and Associates.

A person who is contemplating suicide is in so much pain that they do not see any other feasible options.  Suicide is a permanent solution to temporary problems; the effect reaching far beyond the person who takes their life.

Suicide can be a symptom of depression; however depression is a treatable mental health illness that affects many people.   Many people may struggle with feelings of sadness and hopelessness but never act upon suicide.  Suicidal thinking is complex, so it is important to understand the warning signs to understand if the person needs immediate help.

A person who is struggling with suicidal thoughts may not know how to ask for help, they just want to stop hurting. You might feel uncomfortable bringing up the subject with someone you suspect may be suicidal, but talking openly about it, responding quickly, and offering support, can save their live.

Recognizing these signs and using the resources below may help you prevent someone from completing suicide:

Warning Signs:

• Isolating behaviors, withdrawing from family and friends
• Substance abuse issues
• Decline in work or school performance
• Being bullied
• Recent death of a loved one
• Increased mood swings
• Decrease in activities
• Giving away possessions
• Change in sleep or appetite
• Chronic mental illness
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Acting impulsively
• Seeking out lethal means
• Having a plan
• Having intent

Suicide Prevention Resources

National Resources:

• Suicide Prevention Resource Center– http://www.sprc.org/
• National Institute of Mental Health– http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline– http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
• American Association for Suicidology– http://www.suicidology.org/ncpys
• American Foundation of Suicide Prevention– https://afsp.org/
• The Trevor Project– http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
• Trans Life line– http://www.translifeline.org/
• 211– http://www.211.org/

Denver Metro Area Resources:

• http://coloradocrisisservices.org/
• http://www.metrocrisisservices.org/
• http://www.suicidepreventioncolorado.org/
• http://www.5280.com/prevention
• https://mhcd.org/child-family-suicide-prevention/

Hotlines:

• http://www.suicide.org/suicide-hotlines.html
• 1.800.273.TALK (8255)
• 1.800.SUI.CIDE (784.2433)

Text Lines:

• Text “GO” to 741741

To your wellbeing,

-Alea Makley, MA

Case Manager

The MINES Team

The post Suicide Prevention Week 2016 appeared first on MINES and Associates.