Suicide is one of the most prominent issues facing our world today, with a severe impact on families, communities, and places of employment. In the United States alone, suicide is the leading cause of death, with over 48,000 lives lost in 2021 and a 2.6% increase in incidents throughout the year.
Suicide Prevention Month is much more than just a time of awareness; it is a time to actively reduce factors that increase risk while increasing resilience in all areas of life. Because the average person spends about ¼ of their life at the workplace, there are crucial steps you can take as an employer to provide critical support.
Risk Factors for Suicide
In most cases, suicide is seldom caused by a single factor alone. Instead, it is a combination of several factors which can significantly increase risk. These are certain situations or complications that increase the chance that a person will commit suicide, including but not limited to:
- Previous suicide attempts
- History of mental illness and/or depression
- Severe illness (i.e. chronic pain)
- Bullying
- Family or loved one's suicide
- Loss of relationships
- Lack of access to proper healthcare
- Community violence
- Discrimination
- Substance use
- Criminal or legal problems
- Job or financial issues
Suicide Prevention Strategies
At the same time, many factors contribute to suicide resilience. Prevention can occur across all areas of an individual's life, and as such, everyone may take part in this mission. In the workplace specifically, you can be proactive in supporting your employees during Suicide Prevention Month, as well as all other times of the year.
Create Supportive Environments
The first step is to create a supportive work environment by implementing healthy policies for a cohesive culture. Demonstrate to employees that their workplace is a safe space, where they can be heard and lifted in times of need. For instance, you may conduct regular check-ins, set up an employee health fair, or listen to their concerns to enable a comfortable environment.
You might also create programs that aim to reduce substance abuse and foster meaningful relationships among coworkers. Speak with your team to gather insights into their needs, and then build your strategy from there.
Access to Care
Equally as important is providing easy access to healthcare, both at the physical and mental level. For Suicide Prevention Month, consider covering mental health issues in any insurance policies you may offer, and be sure to arrange for remote access to help. Change begins at the systemic level, so it is essential to provide a reliable, quick gateway to necessary care.
Teaching coping skills
By teaching coping and problem-solving skills in the workplace, you can build strong resilience among your employees. Perhaps you might include socio-emotional learning programs or support skills that improve relationships. Education and awareness should be the key takeaway here; without a solid understanding of the issue (and its many facets), employees may struggle to adequately address problems — leading to higher risk.
Suicide Prevention Programs
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) utilize data, science, and partner networks to fund vital suicide prevention programs for different populations.
Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program
The Comphreshive Suicide Prevention Program (CSP) consists of 24 individual programs that aim to implement a comprehensive approach to public health. Here, a significant focus is placed on those populations who are disproportionately affected by suicide risk factors.
Data for this program works to identify which populations are most at risk, better understand risks that contribute to suicide, and keep track of trends in suicidal behavior. Through communication and education, the CDC has created a goal to reduce national suicide by 20% by 2025.
Veteran Suicide Prevention
Among other populations, veterans have a significantly higher disparity in suicide numbers. In response, the CDC began the Veteran Suicide Prevention Evaluation (VSPE) project, which aims to strengthen the support base of veteran-serving organizations (VSOs). In addition to implementing preventative action, evaluations are performed to measure the overall effectiveness of such programs.
The goal is to build a community-based approach, one that aids veteran workers in forming meaningful connections and establishing resource safety nets.
Suicide Prevention Resources
If you or someone you know needs immediate help, contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Note that you may also start an emergency chat at 988lifeline.org.
Upon contacting the hotline, you will be connected to an experienced crisis counselor. Your call will be entirely confidential and completely free, available 24/7 year-round.
For non-emergency situations, the CDC has compiled a list of suicide prevention resources and data to provide information on effective suicide prevention.
Suicide Prevention Month Toolkit
To expand the impact of Suicide Prevention Month, the CDC has put together a social media toolkit. The kit includes sample social graphics and critical messages that revolve around the role of personal connections in suicide prevention. Other focus areas include coping with stress and promoting awareness of the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to increase public resilience.
In downloading and sharing these messages, you can assist in spreading the message that suicide is not only preventable but that everyone has a part to play in this prevention.
Publications
For an in-depth look into suicide prevention, consult the CDC's collection of publications. Here, you'll find fact and definition sheets, official CDC suicide reports, and journal articles on suicide prevention strategies.
Other featured publications are comprised of resources from major health organizations — namely the World Health Organization, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Suicide Prevention with On-site Clinics
As an employer, you have the power to implement the necessary support for a healthier and safer workplace. An on-site clinic at your employees' disposal has multiple benefits for the entire organization, including:
- A reduction in healthcare costs
- An increase in preventative care for employees, such as early detection of health issues and screenings
- Establishing an employee wellness program, which works to boost morale, health education, and engagement
- Creating stronger relationships among employees
As previously discussed, effective suicide prevention means a combination of awareness, a reliable social network, and access to resources. On-site clinics enable each of these components to be readily available for employees, contributing to their health, safety, and well-being.
Be the Change with EHS!
This Suicide Prevention Month, take action for the security of all employees across your organization. Contact us today to learn more about our healthcare services.