Suicide Prevention Resources

National Suicide Prevention Month is observed in September and World Suicide Prevention Day is on September 10th each year. During this month, we raise awareness about suicide prevention and honor the lives lost to suicide. Here are ways you can contribute to raising awareness:

Keep Informed and Share Resources

• Learn about the warning signs and risk factors for suicide. If appropriate for you, consider using the digital shareables on suicide prevention provided by the National Institute of Mental Health and/or the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ (NAMI). You can copy and paste the text and graphic into a tweet, email, or post. The NIMH is encouraging people to use the hashtag #shareNIMH in their social media posts to connect with people and organizations with similar goals.
• Familiarize yourself with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which is the three-digit number for mental health emergencies in the United States.
• Each year, the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) provides guidance on how to get involved in Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. You can find the Ideas for Action for 2024 here.
• Multiple federal agencies banded together to create the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and the Federal Action Plan. This strategy provides a roadmap for tackling the ongoing public health crisis of suicide.
• Explore the Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention for LGBTQIA2S+ Youth: A Resource Guide for Professionals, Families, and Communities and Trevor Project’s Resources for Talking about Suicide page.
• Check out A Journey Toward Health & Hope, a handbook for recovery after a suicide attempt published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
• Consider joining or sharing information on support groups if you or someone you love has been impacted by loss through suicide. Support group resources include Solace for Hope, The Alliance of Hope, The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's support group finder, and Save.org's support group finder.
• Visit Save.org for other programs aimed to honor a loved one who has died by suicide and free trainings on suicide prevention. They also provider a guide on how to keep a loved one safe in the home, and will send a free cable gun lock to people who request them.
  Watch and share videos from the National Institute of Mental Health on suicide prevention.

Advocate for Mental Health Awareness

• Attend webinars, Twitter chats, and Facebook Live sessions related to suicide prevention. Check out the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention event calendar here. AFSP local chapters often have educational videos on their sites as well pathways to volunteer opportunities.
• Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) offers free courses to improve knowledge on suicide prevention for community members. You will need to register for a free account to be able to view the courses.
• The International Association for Suicide Prevention has a calendar for local events all over the world to raise awareness. Click here to see if there are any events near you.
• Engage in discussions about strategies for saving lives and supporting vulnerable populations. TrevorSpace is one such option, providing online support for the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Facebook groups, MeetUp groups, and Mental Health America’s IAMNOTALONE social networking website may be of assistance in creating meaningful connections. Please always use best practices for safety when meeting people online or in-person through social media sites.
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) works to advocate and help build better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Click here to learn more about being a mental health advocate through NAMI.

Check-in and Follow-up with Loved Ones

Throughout the year, look out for people in your life who you think may be struggling and don’t be afraid to ask someone if they are suicidal.

• Seize the Awkward.org has tips for starting a conversation with a friend or loved one.
• Bethe1to.com shares steps to spreading the word about suicide prevention and help those in our lives who are struggling. You can even send a postcard through their website to someone you want to thank for being there for you when you needed support.
• The Mental Health Coalition has shared Tips for Fostering Connections with others and ideas on Conversation Starters.
• Asking about suicide can help relieve the stress of having those kinds of thoughts and provides an opportunity for you to offer support, show empathy, and listen. Encourage your loved one to seek help and further support from a professional. You can help by being there for them when they call a helpline or make an appointment with a mental health professional. If you are unsure if they are able to stay safe, please call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline with them so they can speak to a counselor immediately. Ask the counselor to check in with you and guide you on next steps after they speak with your loved one.
• Make sure you follow-up with your loved one after the conversation to show your ongoing support. Mail, calls, emails and text messages are all acceptable. This action has been shown to reduce the risk for suicide.

Remember, your involvement can make a difference in preventing suicide and promoting mental well-being.

Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas
PsyD, Clinical Psychologist and Mental Health Advocate

Risk Factors for Suicide

• Mental health conditions
• Hopelessness
• Impulsive behavior
• History of trauma
• Major physical illnesses
• Previous suicide attempt(s)
• Exposure to suicide
• Financial loss
• Lost relationship(s)
• Access to deadly items (e.g., guns)
• Isolation
• Lack of access to support
• Cultural shame about mental health

Warning Signs for Suicide

• Talking about wanting to die
• Seeking for a way to kill themselves
• Expressing hopelessness
• Feeling trapped
• Feeling like a burden
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Reckless or agitated behavior
• Change in sleeping patterns
• Withdrawing
• Extreme mood swings

What Managers and Leaders Can Do

1. Create a caring workplace culture that encourages help-seeking and help-giving.
2. Obtain training on how to identify and intervene with someone who may be suicidal or in a mental health crisis.
3. Know your resources and reach out as needed – contact Workplace Solutions EAP to consult.

Associated Videos

• Addressing suicide
• Understanding the suicidal mind
• What are contributing risk factors for suicide?
• What should I do if I'm worried about someone's risk for suicide?
• Suicide in the workplace
• Suicide: frequently asked questions

Expert Blogs

• Conversations We Need to be Having About Suicide
• Suicidal Ideation in Children and Teens
• Talking About Men and Suicide – We All Have a Role to Play
• Suicide Prevention Day: Overcoming the stigma surrounding suicidal ideation

Note: This content is for educational use only. Nothing contained in this tip sheet is, or should be considered or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

The behaviors listed below may be some of the signs that someone is thinking about suicide.

Talking about:

• Wanting to die
• Great guilt or shame
• Being a burden to others

Feeling:

• Empty, hopeless, trapped, or having no reason to live
• Extremely sad, more anxious, agitated, or full of rage
• Unbearable emotional or physical pain

Changing behavior, such as:

• Making a plan or researching ways to die
• Withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important items, or making a will
• Taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast
• Displaying extreme mood swings
• Eating or sleeping more or less
• Using drugs or alcohol more often

If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has increased recently.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

• Call or text 988
• Chat at 988lifeline.org

Crisis Text Line

• Text "HELLO" to 741741

How to Start (and continue) a Conversation About Mental Health

You don't need special training to have an open, authentic conversation about mental health - and often, just talking about it can be the first important step in understanding where someone is with their mental health, and helping them get support or treatment if needed.

Here are some quick pointers you can use for having a #RealConvo with the people in your life. 

Let people know you're willing to talk about #MentalHealth

• The easiest way to let people know you're willing to talk about mental health is to be open about your own. Try to think of it in the same way you think about your physical health. Allow it to come up naturally in conversation in the same way.
• If you've seen a mental health professional in the past, when the subject comes up, you might say, in your own words: "I've had times in my life when I've struggled. I went to talk to someone, and it really helped me."
• A casual reference like the one above can have a powerful effect, letting others know you're a safe person to talk to if they ever need to reach out.

What can you say to someone you think may be struggling?

• Trust your gut if you think someone's having a hard time, and speak to them privately. Start with an expression of care, followed by an observation. "I care about you and I've noticed you haven't been yourself lately. You seem more frustrated than you've been in a while, and I'm wondering how you're doing."

• Normalize mental health by talking about it directly. "I wonder if what's happening at work these days is stressing you out." "With everything that's going on in your family, I wonder if you're feeling overwhelmend."
• Let them know you get it, and that's okay - and normal - to struggle in response to life's challenges. "I've been through things in my life, too, and what I've often found is that talking about it helps. Whatever it is, I'm here to listen and support you."

The timing doesn't have to be perfect

• You may not always be able to speak with someone the moment you notice they might be struggling. It's fine to circle back someother time soon. "The other say I noticed you seemed upset. I made a note that I wanted to talk with you. I'm really concerned about how you're doing. So let's talk."
• Sometimes creating some space is the perfect thing to do. Let them know you can have the conversation at a time that's right for them. "Can we grab some coffee and talk about it?" "Would you like to go for a walk?"

What if they hesitate?

• The other person might worry that sharing how they feel will be a burden to others. They might say something like, "You must be sick of hearing about all of this," or, "I don't want to saddle you with my problems."
• In your own words, tell them: "Not only am I not sick of it, but I care about you, so I want to be there for you. I get that life is complex - so I'm here to listen and support you."

Would they be more comfortable talking to someone else?

• If you suspect the other person might be more comfortable talking with someone else, you can offer to help connect them. "Is talking to me about this helping you right now? Or is there someone else you'd feel more comfortable with, who we can bring in to help support you?"

What if they tell you they really are having a hard time?

• Reassure them that it's okay to talk about. "You know what? Everyone goes through periods in their life when they're struggling. But just because you're struggling now doesn't mean you'll always feel this way."
• Then ask for more detail, and let them know they can go to that dark place with you. "What's the worst thing about what you're going through right now?" And make sure to include that getting help from a mental health professional can truly make a big difference in their situation. Discover guidance on how to lead the conversation and respond.

When the convo is winding down...

• End the conversation by reiterating that you are so glad for the chance to connect on their deeper level about such meaningful things in life. Remind them that we all have challenges at times, and that you'll continue to be there for them. 

Nicely done! You've had a #RealConvo about Mental Health! How do you follow up?

• Give yourself a pat on the back for having a #RealConvo with comeone! But don't just leave it at that. Follow up to let them know it was okay to open up, that you care, and that you're still a "safe" person to talk to about mental health. 
• "You know, you've been on my mind since we had that conversation the other day."
• "I've really been thinking about what we talked about, and I wanted to circle back. How are you feeling since we spoke?"
• Being available to have a #RealConvo about mental health is an inportant way we can all be there for the people in our lives, whether it's a friend, family member, or someone in your community. All it takes is a willingness to be open, honest and present with the people that you care about. 
• We all have mental health. Reach out to have a #RealConvo with someone in your life today.

Suicide remains a critical global issue, affecting individuals and communities worldwide.

The International Association of Suicide Prevention has issued a call to action with the hashtag #StartTheConversation, encouraging everyone to engage in open dialogues about mental health and suicide.

Attend our free online recorded seminar:

Speak Up: Saving Lives Through Conversations

This online seminar is a recorded, on-demand event and will be released on Workplace Solution’s website on September 10, 2024.

Participants will benefit by being able to

• Understand the importance of open dialogue in suicide prevention efforts
• Recognize the impact of conversations on mental health and suicide prevention
• Learn effective communication techniques to support individuals at risk of suicide
• Gain insight into the role of active listening and empathy in saving lives through conversation

WORKPLACE SOLUTIONS EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Anytime, any day, you have free, confidential access to professional consultants and online resources to help you be your best.

Just call or log on to get started.

TOLL-FREE: 887-215-6614 | WEBSITE: www.wseap.com | ACCESS CODE: harper

You can help someone who is thinking of suicide, and your support can make a significant  difference in their life. Here are some steps to assist someone who may be contemplating suicide:

• Take It Seriously: If someone confides in you about their suicidal thoughts  or intentions, take it seriously. Avoid minimizing their feelings or telling them to "snap out of it."
• Listen Non-Judgmentally: Create a safe and non-judgmental space for them  to talk about their feelings. Let them express their thoughts and emotions without criticism or judgment.
• Show Empathy and Compassion: Let the person know that you care about their well-being. Show empathy  and understanding by saying things like, "I'm here for you," or "I'm sorry you're feeling this way."
• Ask Directly About Suicide: While it may be uncomfortable, ask the person directly if they are thinking about suicide. This can open up an honest conversation and allow them to express their feelings.
• Keep Them Safe: If the person has an plan and access to means (e.g., them pills, to firearms) for suicide, try to remove or restrict access to those means. This can be a crucial step in preventing a suicide attempt.
• Encourage Professional Help: Encourage the person to seek professional help from a mental health therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist. Offer to help them find resources and make appointments.
• Offer to Accompany Them: If they are willing, offer to accompany them to their appointments or crisis helplines. Sometimes, the presence of a supportive person can make it easier for them to seek help. 
• Stay Connected: Keep in touch with the person regularly, even if it's just a text or a quick check-in. Let them know you care about their well-being. 
• Involve Trusted Individuals: If you're concerned about their safety, involve other trusted friends or family members who can provide support and assistance. 
• Don't Promose Secrecy: While you should respect their privacy, do not promise to keep their suicidal thoughts a secret if they are in immediate danger. Their safety should be the top priority.
• Know Crisis Helplines: Be aware of crisis helplines and hotlines in your area, such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (dial 988 for support) or Crisis Text Line (Text SAVE to 741-741). Encourage the person to call these resources if they need immediate help.

**Remember, you are not expected to be a mental health professional, but your support and compassion can play a crucial role in helping someone who is thinking of suicide. Encourage them to seek professional help and don't hesitate to dial 988 or crisis support.