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.

We have become more aware of depression, but awareness is only the first step. It’s also critical that we’re regularly screening individuals for depression, just like we do for other health conditions like heart disease or high cholesterol. When we catch depression symptoms early on, we can help people realize there is a health problem and get the treatment they need – often through employee assistance programs.

National Depression Screening Day is celebrated each year in the first week of October. In today’s blog, we’ll help you prepare for this important day by giving you tips and resources on how to conduct depression screenings in your workplace.

Understanding what depression looks like

Most people have a general idea of what a “depressed person” looks like; perhaps you imagine someone who is often sad and cries frequently. But in reality, this is only one presentation of depression. There are many types of depressive disorders, and it’s important to understand how each of them can present.

Common symptoms of depression

Sad or low mood and frequent crying often do come along with depression. Some other common symptoms that you may notice include:

• No longer seem to enjoy things they used to enjoy
• Suddenly being apathetic or indifferent to work
• Appearing lethargic or extremely fatigued, which can even lead them to physically move slower than normal
• Decreased productivity at work
• Eating more or less than usual, which can lead to weight gain or loss
• Mood swings or being irritable; snapping at colleagues over small things
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions; seeming to have a hard time remembering things
• Withdrawing and isolating themselves from others, especially if you’ve known them to be social people
• Increased absenteeism and tardiness
• Frequently complaining of unexplained physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches
• Being very self-critical or having low self-esteem
• Talking about death and suicide, even if it’s in a “joking” manner

Although not everyone who displays these signs is experiencing depression, it’s important to be aware of the signs so you know what to watch out for. If you notice these signs, consider employee assistance programs to help improve your mental health.

On top of that, there are several different depressive disorders.

Major depressive disorder

This is what we most often refer to when we talk about “clinical depression.” People with major depressive disorder show many of the above symptoms for a period of 2 weeks or more.

Persistent depressive disorder

Persistent depressive disorder is also called chronic depression, and is diagnosed when someone has symptoms of depression for 2 years or more. They may not seem as acutely depressed, but likely show at least some of the symptoms.

Bipolar disorder

People with bipolar disorder swing between mania/hypomania (an intensely euphoric or “high” mood that can cause impulsive and dangerous behaviors) and depression. People with bipolar disorder may not be immediately identified as having depression because they could be in a manic episode the majority of the time. Other people with bipolar disorder are depressed most of the time and only experience one manic episode in their lives.

Postpartum depression

Colleagues who have recently given birth may show signs of postpartum depression, which is when someone experiences depression symptoms after childbirth. Research shows that people who adopt, as well as non-birthing partners, can also experience postpartum depression.

Because of these variations, depression can present itself in many different ways. Regular depression screening can make sure no one falls through the cracks.

Why is it important to screen for depression?

National Depression Screening Day can be an opportunity to remind employees to self-reflect and check themselves for symptoms of depression. Just like they go to their doctor every year for an annual physical exam, they can complete depression screening tools to ensure that their mood and mental health are sound.

Often when we’re experiencing depression, especially if we’ve experienced it for a long time, we don’t realize that we need help. We may assume that certain feelings or experiences are “just a part of life.” This can prevent us from getting support when we need it.

Here are some other reasons why it’s important to regularly screen for depression:

• Regular screening allows for the early identification of depression symptoms, which enables timely intervention and support (employee assistance programs) for employees who may be struggling.
• Employees benefit from increased awareness of their mental health through routine screenings. This knowledge can empower them to take proactive steps in managing their mental well-being and seeking support when it’s needed.
• Routine screening can minimize the personal and professional consequences of untreated depression, like workplace conflicts, strained relationships, financial stress, or compromised work-life balance.
• When people regularly screen themselves for depression, they’re connected to appropriate resources and assistance.
• Screening initiatives play a crucial role in tailoring and targeting mental health support through employee assistance programs in terms of organizational support.
• A workplace that prioritizes regular depression screening experiences improved employee engagement and retention because they’re creating environments that are characterized by care and support.

Screening tools for depression

Here is a helpful list of screening tools and resources that your employees can use to screen themselves for depression. Make sure that employees know that their results will be confidential. The idea is to help them get access to treatment when they otherwise wouldn’t have.

It’s also important to note that depression screening tests are not a replacement for a professional evaluation and diagnosis. No screening tool can diagnose you with depression, but they can give you a better idea of the signs of depression you or your employees might be experiencing and whether or not they could benefit from professional support.

• Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)
• Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)
• EQ-5D
• Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D)
• Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology – Self-Report (QIDS-SR)
• Beck Hopelessness Scale
• Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)

You can get access to most of these tools through the American Psychiatric Association. Mental Health America also offers a quick online depression test that you can take.

Your Employee Assistance Program may also be able to help. If you’re a MINES & Associates client, you and your family have access to free and confidential counseling services at any time, day or night. Our mental health therapists can help you figure out if you might be experiencing depression, and offer guidance and support.

Contact us today and let us know how we can support your organization.

To Your Wellbeing,

The MINES Team

The post The Face of Depression at Work: Identifying Signs, Encouraging Conversations, and Seeking Help appeared first on MINES and Associates.