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.

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.

The post Mental Health Services & Training – How to Start the Conversation About Mental Health – in the Workplace and Beyond appeared first on MINES and Associates.

The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 1 million people die each year from suicide. Consider that number for a moment. Imagine someone asked you to count 1 million toothpicks. How long would it take? Most Americans have been impacted by suicide. The topic of suicide and the workplace is not frequently talked about and often gets overlooked.
A colleague or employee contemplating suicide can be overwhelming for HR representatives, supervisors, and managers. You may not know what your role is or how to offer support without overstepping professional and personal boundaries. One of the most difficult questions has to do with assessment. How does one determine if a person is really at risk for suicide, and if a risk is detected what is the most effective way to intervene?
This information provides a brief reference, or starting point, for developing strategies to manage suicide in the workplace. It addresses warning signs, prevention tips, and postvention tips. It also offers suggestions for what you can do to support those who have lost an employee or co-worker to suicide.

Warning signs

1. Talking, writing about suicide/death. The phrases, “I wish I were dead” or “the world would be better off without me” are common examples of things suicidal people might say.
2. Someone might be suicidal if they begin actively seeking access to guns or other weapons, pills, etc.
3. They begin putting their affairs in order. Things like making a will, or tying up loose ends as not to be a further burden on friends and family, might be a sign that they are contemplating leaving for good.
4. A person who appears down, depressed, or hopeless.
5. Isolating themselves from others. Somebody who normally engages socially might become isolated or start to withdraw from co-workers, work engagements and other social obligations might be suffering from major depression.
6. Increase in risky behavior. If a person significantly increases alcohol, or drug use, incidents of unsafe sex, calling into work, reckless driving, or a host of other harmful activities, they are demonstrating unsafe behaviors and may have given up.

If you witness one or more of the above behaviors the next step is to determine their risk. It is helpful to consider multiple factors that could increase one’s risk. The brief list below is a place to start.

1. Biopsychosocial factors: The individual is at higher risk if they have a history of trauma or abuse, alcohol or drug addiction, or mental health issues–especially those that have gone undiagnosed or untreated. If there have been previous attempts and/or a family history of suicide then this would increase the likelihood that someone would seriously complete suicide.
2. Sociocultural factors: Being part of a stigmatized, non-dominate group in society like LBGTQ can cause a person to feel isolated especially if they don’t have the support of friends or family. The person may have been in a social environment where suicide is normalized, they may have had friends or family complete suicide which makes suicide contemplative. Barriers to mental healthcare associated with socioeconomic issues prevent individuals obtaining the help and early intervention they need.
3. Environmental factors: These might include a recent job loss, dropping out of school, or loss of a loved one or relationship. The person may live in an environment where access to guns or pills is readily available increasing their means–subsequently increasing risk.
4. Does the person have a plan, intent or means to commit suicide? If somebody discloses that they have a specific plan to harm themselves, high motivation to do so, and a way to do it, they are at high risk for committing suicide.

If you have seen the warning signs in someone and determine that they are at high risk and you feel they are in imminent danger you should get them to a mental health professional, call 911, or take them to the nearest emergency room. For long-term suicide prevention tips in the workplace see the ideas below.

Prevention tips:

1. Make help accessible by posting suicide prevention hotlines in lunchrooms, break rooms, and bathrooms.
2. Raise awareness regarding resources; make sure employees know that they have an employee assistance program (EAP) and that using the benefit is confidential. Post flyers with numbers to the EAP so that number is accessible to everyone. Oftentimes EAP programs are accessible to human resource representatives, managers, and supervisors; take advantage and seek advice. Have a list of community resources that offer mental health services. Let employees know that they can also talk with their human resources representative.
3. Educate employees by destigmatizing mental health and substance abuse issues by offering lunch and learns or trainings on various topics such as suicide, healthy coping skills for managing stress, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse issues.
4. Create a balanced work environment by allowing for “mental health” days or offering work from home days if it’s possible. Managers and supervisors can help by assisting in resolving work problems as they arise and managing conflict effectively between co-workers, managers, and supervisors.

If your company has experienced a suicide, the loss of a colleague or employee can be shocking and traumatic. Below are a series of postvention tips that might be helpful in the event of workplace suicide.

Postvention tips:

1. Acknowledge that your employees may have strong emotions surrounding the suicide and will need opportunities to express their feelings.
2. Supervisors and managers should be on alert for PTSD symptoms. A drastic change in behavior may be a sign that a person is having a hard time dealing with the incident.
3. Encourage healthy grieving by providing a basic understanding of the stages of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance. The stages of grief affect individuals differently at various rates. Some employees may express their grief as sadness or anger over a long period of time, while others may get back to their normal lives rather quickly.
4. Offering empathetic and compassionate listening will give employees permission to talk openly with their supervisors and managers and will give them the opportunity to ask for what they might need in their grief. Being accessible to employees lets them know that they are not alone and that they are supported
5. Become a role model for healthy grieving by being open with your feelings surrounding the suicide.

The purpose of this article is not only to help employers notice the warning signs of suicide and help them assess their employee’s risk for suicide, it also serves as a basic framework on how to instill awareness regarding suicide, prevention and postvention tips in the workplace. It is likely that if there is early recognition and intervention of a person who is contemplating suicide, there can be a positive outcome. Remember that asking someone “how are you doing?” or “are you ok?” should reach farther than the project they’re working on. By asking and being open to talking, you can save a person’s life.

Resources:

• www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
• www.crisischat.org/
• www.suicide.org/suicide-hotlines.html
• www.actionallianceforsuicideprevention.org/sites/actionallianceforsuicideprevention.org/files/Managers-Guidebook-To-Suicide-Postvention-Web.pdf

Apps:

• Ask: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ask-prevent-suicide/id419595716?mt=8
• The Jason Foundation: http://jasonfoundation.com/get-involved/student/a-friend-asks-app/
• MY3: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/gethelp/my3-app.aspx

Crisis lines

1-800-273-TALK (8255): This number will connect you with a mental health professional who will be able to assist you.

To view or download a more comprehensive list of hotlines please see our mental health resources list on our website here: http://www.minesandassociates.com/documents/MentalHealthAwareness_Infographic_Resources.pdf

To your wellbeing,

-The MINES Team

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

We just wanted to share information concerning an important event that friends of the MINES team are hosting on November 5th here in Denver.

Suicide is a bleak topic and one that has touched many of our lives in one way or another. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death, additionally men die from suicide 3.5 times more often than women. What are the underlying reasons for this? What can be done to help this situation? The upcoming event is designed to address these very questions and more.

Entitled, “A Man’s Journey: Learning, Loving and Living through Life’s Challenges” hosted by the Carson J Spencer Foundation on November 5^th from 12:00-5:00 PM at Mountain States Employers Council in Denver. The goal of the forum is to help men overcome life stressors and cope with mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, anger and substance abuse. Tickets are only $10. Men and women are encouraged to attend. Info and Registration here: http://bit.ly/2efbewC

To Your Wellbeing,

The MINES Team

The post Important Event: A Man’s Journey: Learning, Loving and Living through Life’s Challenges Nov. 5th 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.

A colleague or employee contemplating suicide can be overwhelming for HR representatives, supervisors, and managers.  You may not know what your role is or how to offer support without overstepping professional and personal boundaries.  One of the most difficult questions has to do with assessment.  How does one determine if a person is really at risk for suicide, and if a risk is detected what is the most effective way to intervene?

This blog provides a brief reference, or starting point, for developing strategies to manage suicide in the work place.   It addresses warning signs, prevention tips, and postvention tips.  It also offers suggestions for what you can do to support those who have lost an employee or co-worker to suicide.

When a person is contemplating taking their own life, they often will not voluntarily tell anybody.  They may, however, reach out in non-direct ways.  Below are some warning signs that someone may be contemplating suicide:

1. Talking, writing about suicide/death. The phrases, “I wish I were dead” or “the world would be better off without me” are common examples of things suicidal people might say.
2. Someone might be suicidal if they begin actively seeking access to guns or other weapons, pills, etc.
3. They begin putting their affairs in order. Things like making a will, or tying up loose ends as not to be a further burden on friends and family might be a sign that they are contemplating leaving for good.
4. A person who appears down, depressed, or hopeless.
5. Isolating themselves from others. Somebody who normally engages socially might become isolated or start to withdraw from co-workers, work engagements and other social obligations might be suffering from major depression.
6. Increase in risky behavior. If a person significantly increases alcohol, or drug use, incidents of unsafe sex, calling into work, reckless driving, or a host of other harmful activities, they are demonstrating unsafe behaviors and may have given up.

If you witness one or more of the above behaviors the next step is to determine their risk.  It is helpful to consider multiple factors that could increase ones risk.  The brief list below is a place to start.

1. Biopsychosocial factors: The individual is at higher risk if they have a history of trauma or abuse, alcohol or drug addiction, or mental health issues–especially those that have gone undiagnosed or untreated.  If there have been previous attempts and/or a family history of suicide then this would increase the likelihood that someone would seriously complete suicide.
2. Sociocultural factors: Being part of a stigmatized, non-dominate group in society like LBGTQ can cause a person to feel isolated especially if they do not have the support of friends and family.  The person may have been in a social environment where suicide is normalized, they may have had friends or family complete suicide which makes suicide contemplative.  Barriers to mental healthcare associated with socioeconomic issues prevent individuals obtaining the help and early intervention they need.
3. Environmental factors: These might include a recent job loss, dropping out of school, or loss of a loved one or relationship.  The person may live in an environment where access to guns or pills is readily available increasing their means–subsequently increasing risk.
4. Does the person have a plan, intent or means to commit suicide? If somebody discloses that they have a specific plan to harm themselves, high motivation to do so, and a way to do it, they are at high risk for committing suicide.

If you have seen the warning signs in someone and determine that they are at high risk and you feel they are in imminent danger you should get them to a mental health professional, call 911, or take them to the nearest emergency room.  For long-term suicide prevention tips in the workplace see the ideas below.

Prevention tips:

1. Make help accessible by posting suicide prevention hotlines in lunchrooms, break rooms, and bathrooms.
2. Raise awareness regarding resources; make sure employees know that they have an employee assistance program (EAP) and that using the benefit is confidential. Post flyers with numbers to the EAP so that number is accessible to everyone. Oftentimes EAP programs are accessible to human resource representatives, mangers, and supervisors; take advantage and seek advice.  Have a list of community resources that offer mental health services.  Let employees know that they can also talk with their human resources representative.
3. Educate employees by destigmatizing mental health and substance abuse issues by offering lunch and learns or trainings on various topics such as suicide, healthy coping skills for managing stress, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse issues.
4. Create a balanced work environment by allowing for “mental health” days or offering work from home days if it’s possible. Managers and supervisors can help by assisting in resolving work problems as they arise and managing conflict effectively between co-workers, managers, and supervisors.

If your company has experienced a suicide, the loss of a colleague or employee can be shocking and traumatic. Below are a series postvention tips that might be helpful in the event of a workplace suicide.

Postvention tips:

1. Acknowledge that your employees may have strong emotions surrounding the suicide and will need opportunities to express their feelings.
2. Supervisors and managers should be on alert for PTSD symptoms. A drastic change in behavior may be a sign that a person is having a hard time dealing with the incident.
3. Encourage healthy grieving by providing a basic understanding of the stages of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance.  The stages of grief affect individuals differently at various rates.   Some employees may express their grief as sadness or anger over a long period of time, while others may get back to their normal lives rather quickly.
4. Offering empathetic and compassionate listening will give employees permission to talk openly with their supervisors and managers and will give them the opportunity to ask for what they might need in their grief. Being accessible to employees lets them know that they are not alone and that they are supported
5. Become a role model for healthy grieving by being open with your feelings surrounding the suicide.

The purpose of this blog is not only to help employers notice the warning signs of suicide and help them assess their employee’s risk for suicide, it also serves as a basic framework on how to instill awareness regarding suicide, prevention and postvention tips in the workplace.  It is likely that if there is early recognition and intervention of a person who is contemplating suicide, that there can be a positive outcome.  In honor of suicide prevention month remember, asking someone “how are you doing” or “are you ok” should reach farther than the project they’re working on.  By asking and being open to talk, you can save a person’s life.

Helpful resources:

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

http://www.crisischat.org/

http://www.suicide.org/suicide-hotlines.html

http://actionallianceforsuicideprevention.org/sites/actionallianceforsuicideprevention.org/files/Managers-Guidebook-To-Suicide-Postvention-Web.pdf

Crisis Lines:

1-800-273-TALK (8255):  This number will connect you with a mental health professional who will be able to assist you.

Apps:

Ask:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ask-prevent-suicide/id419595716?mt=8

The Jason Foundation:  http://jasonfoundation.com/get-involved/student/a-friend-asks-app/

MY3:  http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/gethelp/my3-app.aspx

Alea Makley, MA
Case Manager
MINES & Associates

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