World Suicide Prevention Day
Warning: This blog post or pages it links to, contains information about suicide which may be triggering to some.
To live, love, exist, survive, see the world, and explore - there is an abundance of reasons to want to live. However, people may find themselves under immense pressure when it comes to their personal and professional lives. With lockdown and quarantine forcing us to make changes to our routine, employers have had an increased amount of stress and anxiety built up within these past two years. The INTENSITY of stress leads to its highest capacity, and some may feel like they have lost all hope.
In severe cases, people make life-threatening choices such as to attempt suicide. Suicide is one of the most leading causes of death worldwide.
It is important that mental health challenges are not to be taken lightly, and we do our part as colleagues to ensure that the workplace is a supportive and safe space to be in. Learn more here.
What is World Suicide Prevention Day?
World Suicide Prevention Day is (WSPD) observed on September 10th every year, and it is a way to provide an opportunity for us to increase our awareness and understanding about suicide. The goal of this day is to create a movement toward preventative action, creating awareness and meaningful conversations within work teams not only about the importance of maintaining a psychologically safe workplace but also about difficult subjects such as suicide.
Past themes of “Creating hope through action,” reflects the need for a combined effort to address suicide prevention. This theme is meant as a reassurance that our actions, regardless of how big or small, are key contributors to helping individuals who are struggling. Through action, you can make a big impact on somebody’s life and help encourage them through their darkest times. As members of society, we can all play a large role in supporting those dealing with a suicidal crisis or those who have been affected by suicide directly.
The History & Importance of World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day was first observed and introduced in 2003 by International Association for Suicide Prevention. The World Federation for Mental Health and World Health Organization are additional co-sponsors of this day.
The main initiatives of this day are to help raise awareness by:
Creating effective practices and policies for prevention.
Doing research and collecting information on suicidal behaviour.
Increase awareness about suicidal behaviours and how to prevent them effectively.
Strengthening capabilities to develop and evaluate national policies and plans for suicide prevention throughout the world.
Recognizing World Suicide Prevention Day conveys the message that society needs consistent and increasing advocacy for mental health resources so that people struggling with mental health disorders can find the proper help they need.
Taking time to observe World Suicide Prevention Day is also a way to show your loved ones, colleagues, peers, and anyone who may need extra support that you are there for them. The more people are aware of rapid suicide rates, warning signs, mental health impacts, and prevention, the better it is for those who are personally affected by it.
Facts and Statistics on Suicide
According to the suicide data by World Health Organization, over 700,000 people die by suicide every year.
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning youth are almost 5 times more likely to attempt suicide.
In Canada, every day an average of more than 10 Canadians die by suicide, with young men and boys from First Nations, Inuit & Métis communities being at greatest risk
How to Raise Awareness at Work
You don’t have to be a mental health professional to have an influence on a loved one who is suffering. From learning the warning signs for suicide and what to do if you can sense that someone is struggling, to advocating for suicide prevention in your community, to having honest conversations about your own or others’ mental health, to bringing education seminars to your workplace, there are endless ways help each other save lives.
In the workplace, it is essential that you are prepared to support colleagues when they are in a mental health crisis. While people at risk may hide exactly how they’re feeling, here are a few warning signs of what to look out for:
The topic of suicide comes up in conversation
Mentioning the feeling of being a burden to loved ones
Talking about feeling trapped or having agonizing pain
Increased anxiety and/or irritability
Insomnia and/or trouble sleeping
Changes in appearance
Taking more time off work than usual
A recent stressful event/loss
Previous suicide attempt/s
Social withdrawal/or feeling alone
Preoccupied with a problem/thought
Taking action starts with you. In the workplace, here are a few ways how you can be an advocate for suicide prevention:
Learn to care for your own mental health.
Check in on your fellow colleagues regularly.
Educate yourself and others on the signs.
Get involved and donate to local charities that support suicide prevention.
Connect suicide loss survivors to helpful resources if they may need them.
How to Observe World Suicide Prevention Day and Support Mental Health at Work
Hosting workshops/seminars: Workshops and seminars provide a unique opportunity for participants to think critically and be hands-on with what they are being educated on. Especially for people who collaborate and work together, a workshop or seminar that shares insight into suicide prevention can help to create a sense of community among its participants. Education regarding mental health should be essential in all companies. Coming together as a team can help employees to focus on their mental health and maintain a balanced state of mind.
Create a nurturing work environment: In a healthy work environment, employees are more prone to be comfortable with asking for help when they are struggling. The workplace should be a space where employees are always valued, heard, respected and supported. The more positive the workplace culture is, the more employees are productive, engaged, and ready to handle conflict in a way that strengthens the team.
Effective Communication: Getting to know your employees and colleagues increases morale, engagement, productivity, collaboration, and overall satisfaction. It is important to build rapport with those who you work closely with and to check in on them as often as you can.
Employers and HR should also do their part by communicating to staff (via email, newsletters, posters, in person, etc.) on what resources are available regarding mental health benefits and services within the company. However, it is important that employers and HR do not bombard their staff with an abundance of mental health resources all at once, especially when most of them can be forgotten during times of crisis. Rather, visual information should be easily accessible throughout the year, not just on World Suicide Prevention Day.
Further Resources on Suicide and Mental Health:
Take a look at the following resources to gather a better understanding of suicide prevention, the relevance of these concepts in everyday life and what you can do to be an advocate:
Websites:
Books:
Videos:
Phone Numbers:
Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor 24/7
Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566
Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-888-429-8167 (toll free)
World Suicide Prevention Day is only a single day, but the act of ending the stigma towards mental health is ongoing.Suicide is a serious public health problem with lasting, harmful effects on individuals, families, workplaces, and communities.
Show your employees that you value them by creating a supportive, respectful and comfortable work environment that makes mental health the company’s top priority.
