Reaching out

Coworkers can play a crucial role in suicide prevention.

While it can feel awkward or uncomfortable to approach a colleague who may be struggling, checking in with others can provide opportunities for that person to seek the care they need.

If you notice warning signs that may indicate a coworker is experiencing emotional distress, consult with Human Resources to learn more about relevant workplace policies and protocol. Consider checking in with the colleague and connecting them to professional support.

Signs that indicate someone may be thinking of suicide or experiencing a significant mental health concerns:

• Persistent sadness or irritability ​
• Increasingly aggressive or hostile behavior​
• Neglecting basic hygiene or one's appearance​
• Withdrawal from people or activities​
• Increased use of drugs or alcohol ​
• Giving away cherished or valuable possessions​
• Excessive shame or humiliation​
• Statements about feeling trapped or hopeless ​
• Expressing thoughts of wanting to die​

If there's no imminent risk and you're not sure where to start, these steps can help guide the conversation:

1. Be direct: "I notice that you haven't seemed like yourself lately." ​​
2. ​​Describe what you see: "I notice you haven't been responding to emails and you seem distracted in meetings."
3. Ask open-ended questions: "How have you been lately?" "Tell me more." Do more listening rather than talking. ​​
4. ​​Validate and reassure them that help is available: "I can understand why this feels so difficult. I care about you and want to make sure you get the support you need."​
5. ​​Encourage the coworker to seek support: "Have you thought about getting professional support? ​​
6. ​​Avoid common pitfalls: Try not to be judgmental, don't try to diagnose, and avoid giving advice or becoming their sole source of support. The goal of the conversation is to help connect your colleague to the appropriate resource.

​If you believe a caregiver is at high risk of harming themselves or others, ​​call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency department.

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Support in a crisis

When a suicide-related crisis occurs, friends, colleagues and family are often caught off-guard, unprepared, and unsure of what to do. The behaviors of a person experiencing a crisis can be unpredictable, changing dramatically without warning.

There multiple ways to approach a suicide-related crisis:

• Talk openly and honestly. Don’t be afraid to ask questions like: “Do you have a plan for how you would kill yourself?”
• Remove means such as guns, knives or stockpiled pills
• Calmly ask simple and direct questions, like “Can I help you call your psychiatrist?”
• If there are multiple people around, have one person speak at a time
• Express support and concern
• Don’t argue, threaten or raise your voice
• Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong
• If you’re nervous, try not to fidget or pace
• Be patient

Like any other health emergency, it’s important to address a mental health crisis like suicide quickly and effectively. Unlike other health emergencies, mental health crises don’t have instructions or resources on how to help or what to expect.

If your friend or family member struggles with suicidal ideation day-to-day, let them know that they can talk with you about what they’re going through. Make sure that you adopt an open and compassionate mindset when they’re talking. Instead of “arguing” or trying to disprove any negative statements they make (“Your life isn’t that bad!”), try active listening techniques such as reflecting their feelings and summarizing their thoughts. This can help your loved one feel heard and validated. Let them know that mental health professionals are trained to help people understand their feelings and improve mental wellness and resiliency. Suicidal thoughts are a symptom, just like any other — they can be treated, and they can improve over time.

​If you believe a caregiver is at high risk of harming themselves or others,​​call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency department.