World Suicide Prevention Day - 10 September.
By Verity Symcox, fifty50 Head Coach & Resident Mental Health Expert.
Over one in every 100 deaths (1.3%) in 2019 was the result of suicide. And sadly, many more people experience suicidal thoughts and there can be an extensive stigma around talking about suicide. This makes suicide a major global public health issue. Yet, suicide is preventable.
September is Suicide Prevention Month, dedicated to raising awareness that suicide is preventable. We can all help to save another’s life if we know the warning signs, risk factors and how to have conversations with people who may be struggling.
Often suicide can appear to happen without warning, however, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) say this is a myth with studies showing that often suicidal people give many warnings about their suicidal intentions, with 8/10 making suicidal threats and attempts. Sometimes warning signs may appear similar to other mental health challenges. Or sadly, they may be dismissed and thought of as attention-seeking.
Warning signs to watch out for include: sudden behaviour changes, withdrawing from social situations, feeling like a burden, feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness. Two of the leading factors that contribute to suicide are ISOLATION and feeling like a BURDEN.
There are many different risk factors that increase an individual’s likelihood of attempting suicide, including unemployment, alcohol or drug dependency, mental health problems, previous suicide attempts or self-harm. Not everyone with mental health challenges will experience suicidal thinking, however, an individual suffering from major depression is 20 times more likely to die by suicide than someone without. Other risk factors include traumatic events, the death of a loved one and bullying.
We ALL have the power to save lives and prevent suicide during this month and every other month.
Not everyone reading this may consider suicide to be a workplace issue. However, people’s personal life and worries do show up at work and it can be challenging for people to leave these things “at home”. People who feel they can be authentic at work are more likely to share their mental health concerns and ask for support.
What’s more, people spend one third of their lives at work, where their wellbeing, thoughts, feelings and behaviours are all influenced by working environments and organisational cultures. Colleagues and managers provide an important social network built on shared work experiences, and many large organisations have comprehensive employee assistance programmes and/or other support services readily available.
Although, the CIPD believes that too few employers have appropriate frameworks and support systems in place for someone to talk about suicide and seek help as many managers have never received training on suicide and suicidal feelings.
No matter how you know someone, if you notice any of the warning signs or have concerns it is important that you check in with them. You will NOT encourage someone to take their own life by asking them about their suicidal thoughts and/or intentions. Before talking to someone it is important to make sure you know what resources are available and have time to listen, non-judgmentally. It is important to be sensitive and respectful. We recommend that you ask direct questions which avoid judgement.
The CIPD have created a helpful table so you know what language to avoid when talking about suicide.
If you are an employer without a workplace suicide prevention programme, creating an open, safe culture that values employees and actively supports wellbeing is the first step. Having clear communication, policies and procedures with resources and information about how best to help support employee mental health, which is easily accessible are also important. Lastly, it is important that organisations have a plan for responding to a suicide attempt or death. One suicide can significantly emotionally affect over 50 people.
There are MANY resources that are available, both locally and nationally. Individuals in the UK can contact the Samaritans on 116 123, CALM on 0800 58 58 58 or SOS Silence of Suicide on 0300 1020 505.
Disclaimer:
If you are struggling to cope, please call Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK and ROI) or contact other sources of support, such as those listed on the NHS’s help for suicidal thoughts webpage. Support is available round the clock, every single day of the year, providing a safe place for anyone struggling to cope, whoever they are, however they feel, whatever life has done to them.
Please note that fifty50 is not providing occupational health or legal advice, but rather practical guidance to best support people at times of difficulty and raise awareness of suicide.