Workplace Suicide Safety Talk
Suicide rates have risen over the last decade. In 2022, over 49,000 people died from suicide in the U.S. alone. That amounts to one person every 11 minutes.
In today’s world, suicide has become a risk even in the workplace.
Workplace suicide statistics
Since 1992, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported on suicide in the workplace. In 2022, there were 267 workplace fatalities by suicide.
Workers age 45 years or older are the most at risk, and men are more at risk than women.
Suicidal thoughts and how to process them
If you are having suicidal thoughts, don’t keep them to yourself. Understand there is help available for you. With proper care and medical attention, you can overcome these negative feelings.
Here are some ideas on how to better cope.
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
If you are afraid to talk to someone you know, contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting the number 988. A representative is available to answer the phones 24 hours a day. Never hesitate to use this resource when you are in need.
Don’t cover up the issues you're having. Even speaking with a stranger can help. There are people who will care for you and help you find additional assistance.
Find a safe place
When you are feeling suicidal, find a safe place to go. Visit a friend if possible, or go to a public placee to be around other people. This way you are not alone.
If there is nowhere for you to go, make sure your home is safe. Get rid of or lock up any items that could be used to cause harm to yourself.
Don’t act impulsively on thoughts
Suicidal thoughts can feel overwhelming. Make yourself a promise that you will not act impulsively. Give yourself time to process what you are feeling. During this time, you can consider calling someone, including the Crisis Lifeline or getting help from a medical professional.
No drugs or alcohol
When you're having suicidal thoughts, using substances that alter your mind or thinking can escalate the situation. Avoid drugs and alcohol and seek healthy ways to help yourself.
Things can change
The way you're feeling and thinking right now doesn’t have to last forever. Emotions can change at any moment. You may be having an especially bad day or a bad week.
Feeling down and like you have nothing to live for is false thinking. Remember that things can always improve, and there is help available to make sure that happens. Get the help you need and allow your thoughts to change for the better.
Most common time for suicide
A birthday or anniversary of another occasion that has occurred in a victim's life can be a trigger for suicide. People deal with all kinds of different situations outside of work, and you may not know what is going on until it's too late. Different seasons or holidays are also depressing for certain people.
The important thing to remember is to pay attention to your coworkers. Don’t dismiss any suicidal comments that are made to you or that you overhear.
What to look for in coworkers
It likely will not be completely apparent that someone is feeling suicidal. Some may think you can only be suicidal if you are sad and never smile, but that's not how it works. Many people try to hide their feelings to the best of their ability.
However, there are some signs and symptoms to be aware of, such as:
Talking about having trouble sleeping
A recent tragic event
Thinking they are always a burden
Drastically changing their appearance
Making comments about suicide
Missing work often
Alienating themselves
Irritability and anxiety
Overthinking situations
Seeming preoccupied
While these can be signs of suicidal thoughts, know that sometimes people have bad days. Don’t jump to conclusions too fast, but be aware of recurring behaviors or sudden, drastic changes in your coworkers. If someone's behavior concerns you, get help immediately. If you are suspecting an issue, it is better to be safe than sorry.
How to help a coworker
Most of the time, people won't to tell you right away that they are feeling suicidal. It is a personal fight that they are struggling with themselves. If you do have a coworker confide in you about suicidal thoughts, don’t blow them off. Take them seriously and listen to them. Often having someone to talk to helps lessen the burden.
It can be difficult to talk to someone about this sensitive topic. You may be unsure of the right words to say and question your ability to help them. If you don't feel that you are capable of helping them yourself, help them find someone who can provide the support they need.
Communication with employees
One of the best ways to stay in the loop with what is going on around your workplace is to practice open communication. If you notice that a coworker is acting differently or seems off, talk with them. Don’t be afraid to ask them if they're okay.
When you are concerned that someone might harm themselves, asking those simple questions is important. Show your concern and ask if there is anything that you can do to help them. Be available to talk to them or figure out another way that you can assist.
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