More Related Content
Similar to Suicide Prevention in the Workplace
Similar to Suicide Prevention in the Workplace (20)
Recently uploaded
Recently uploaded (20)
Suicide Prevention in the Workplace
- 1. SUICIDE PREVENTION IN THE WORKPLACE YOU HAVE TO TALK ABOUT IT!
- 3. Presenter Introduction • Presenter Details and Brief Background (how do you connect to the material)
- 4. GROUND RULES & OBJECTIVES Thank You for having the courage to be here today! This is a tough subject to talk about. What is said in this room, STAYS in this room! Be open and understanding of the material presented. Be respectful of others, their situation, their emotions! Sensitive and personal information my be shared. This is NOT a class to teach you to be a mental health care professional. Participants will gain a better understanding of the issue of mental wellness in the workplace and the risk factors and warning signs of suicide. Participants will have actionable items to take back to their organization as well as resources to address mental wellness and suicide prevention in the workplace.
- 5. MENTAL WELLNESS CONCERNS “SUICIDE IS NOT A REMEDY.” – JAMES A. GARFIELD
- 6. WORK AND EXTERNAL PRESSURES ECONOMY/MARKET CONCERNS FINANCES AND INVESTMENTS BUSINESS IMPACTS CHANGE IN THE WAY WORK IS DONE LOSS OF JOB/INCOME JOB SECURITY REGRET/SURVIVOR GUILT ISOLATION REMOVAL/DENIAL OF INTERESTS/HOBBIES/ACTIVITIES SCHOOL AND EDUCATION COVID-19 WHAT DO I DO IF I GET SICK? OR A FAMILY MEMBER?
- 7. SOCIAL ISSUES SOCIAL INEQUALITY AND PREJUDICE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND POC GUN CONTROL MASS SHOOTINGS UNCERTAINTY/WHAT DO I BELIEVE? PICK A SIDE/WHERE DO I FIT IN? WHO IS IMPACTED/WHO DOES THIS AFFECT? NON-RACIST VS. ANTI-RACIST PROTESTING & RIOTING WHAT CAN I DO? PERSONAL VS. BUSINESS STANCE AND ACTION
- 8. MENTAL HEALTH ADDED STRESS MENTAL AND PHYSICAL MANIFESTATIONS LONLINESS/ISOLATION AGRESSION/ANGER ACTING OUT/REBELLION DEPRESSION/ANXIETY SUICIDAL THOUGHTS
- 9. NATIONAL SUICIDE STATISTICS 12 Million Americans have serious thoughts of suicide The rate of suicide is highest in middle-aged white men In 2019, men died by suicide 3.63x more often than women On average, there are 130 suicides per day 93% of adults surveyed in the U.S. think suicide can be prevented Data pulled from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- 12. US SUICIDE STATISTICS - 2018 0.99 14.46 17.55 18.22 20.04 20.2 16.31 18.71 19.07 Less than 15 15-24 Years 25-34 Years 35-44 Years 45-54 Years 55-64 Years 65-74 Years 75-84 Years 85+ Years SUICIDE RATES BY AGE 16.84, 37% 7.03, 16% 7.16, 16% 14.12, 31% SUICIDE RATES BY RACE/ETHNICITY WHITE AFRICAN AMERICAN ASIAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER AMERICAN INDIAN/ALASKAN NATIVE
- 13. US SUICIDE STATISTICS - 2016 CONSTRUCTION MANUFACTURING TRANSPORTATION/WAREHOUSING UTILITIES ADMIN & WASTE MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL/SCIENTIFIC HEALTH CARE & SOCIAL ASSISTANCE ACCOMODATION & FOOD SERVICE OTHER SERVICES MINING & OIL/GAS 0.00 10.00 20.00 30.00 40.00 50.00 60.00 SUICIDE RATES BY INDUSTRY FEMALE MALE Source: CDC National Violent Death Reporting System, 32 states, 2016; Table 1 Suicide Rates for persons working in major industry and occupational groups, by sex
- 14. SUICIDE PREVENTION STRATEGIES “The bravest thing I ever did was continuing my life when I wanted to die.” – Juliette Lewis
- 15. THOMAS JOINER - MODEL OF SUICIDE RISK Perceived Burdensomeness Acquired Capacity for Suicide Thwarted Belongingness Perceived Burdensomeness Desire for Suicide Perception of being a burden Thwarted Belongingness Social Disconnection Acquired Capacity for Suicide Familiarity and Access to Lethal Means Ability and Fearlessness to Inflict Self-Injury
- 16. RISK FACTORS Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders; schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders Alcohol and other substance use disorders Hopelessness Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies History of trauma or abuse Major physical illnesses Previous suicide attempt(s) Family history of suicide Job or financial loss Loss of relationship(s) Easy access to lethal means Local clusters of suicide Lack of social support and sense of isolation Stigma associated with asking for help Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)
- 17. WARNING SIGNS Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain Talking about being a burden to others Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly Sleeping too little or too much Withdrawing or isolating themselves Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge Extreme mood swings Giving away personal items (pets, mementos, tools, etc.) Saying goodbye
- 18. WE HAVE TO START TALKING ABOUT SUICIDE PREVENTION AND MENTAL WELLNESS IF WE WANT TO SEE CHANGE
- 19. START THE CONVERSATION I’ve noticed _____ (list specific concerning behaviors), and I an concerned. Are you thinking of suicide? Thank you for trusting me. You are not alone. I’m here to support you and I have some ideas that might help.
- 20. SUICIDE PREVENTION MATTERS! • Anyone can help • Be Direct • People Impacted By Suicide Shouldn’t Be Invisible
- 21. ACTION ITEMS Observe and Be Aware of Abnormal Behaviors Assess Company Culture Review Company Programs and Policies Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) Back-To-Work Protocol FMLA/PTO Mental Health Screenings (healthcare provider benefit) Incorporate Mental Wellness into Health and Wellness Programs Employee Awareness and Training Start the Conversation Postvention Strategies Resources (company, community) Physical & Emotional Help/Support Practice SELF-CARE!
- 22. MENTAL WELLNESS RESOURCES “If someone listens, or stretches out a hand, or whispers a word of encouragement, or attempts to understand a lonely person, extraordinary things begin to happen.” – Loretta Gizartis
- 23. NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Add 1-800-273-8255 into your phone contact list
- 24. NATIONAL RESOURCES Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Publication Page (order wallet cards and other booklets) https://store.samhsa.gov/ American Association of Suicidology(www.suicidology.org) American Foundation for Suicide Prevention(www.AFSP.org) Center for Workplace Mental Health (www.workplacementalhealth.org) Mental Health America (www.mentalhealthamerica.net) Mental Health America – BIPOC (https://mhanational.org/bipoc-mental-health) National Alliance on Mental Health (www.nami.org) National Institute of Mental Health (www.nimh.nih.gov) Screening for Mental Health (www.mentalhealthscreening.org) Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (www.SAVE.org) Suicide Prevention Resource Center (www.SPRC.org)
- 25. NATIONAL RESOURCES Mental Health First Aid (www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org) Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (https://preventconstructionsuicide.com/) Crisis Text Line (https://www.crisistextline.org/) Thrive Global (https://thriveglobal.com/) The Trevor Project – LBGTQ+ Resources (https://www.thetrevorproject.org/) Make the Connection – Veteran Resources (https://www.maketheconnection.net/) CSDZ – A Holmes Murphy Company (https://www.csdz.com/service/worker-wellbeing-and-suicide- prevention/) Random Acts of Kindness (https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/)
- 26. MAN THERAPY Website https://www.mantherapy.org/ YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC BiixvDWpNht0xwzBYdC4KQ 20 Point Head Inspection Resources based on need Multi-Agency Effort CDPHE Cactus (media team) GRIT (Digital Health)
- 27. QUICK CHECK-IN
Editor's Notes
- The material presented in the class can be very disturbing and/or emotional for some people. When conducting this training session, it is important to create a safe space for participants and to periodically “check-in” to see how everyone is doing. If conducting the class virtually, ask the participants to give a “thumb’s up” or use an emoji to show their current mood. Let participants know that if they become overwhelmed or need to step away for a moment, that it is okay to do so.
- This slide is a quick introduction of the presenter. Avoid offering a complete bio or resume, instead focus on how the presenter relates to the material being presented (personal or professional experience, community involvement, education, etc.). To keep the design of the presentation, insert a photo of the presenter (or other photo as necessary) and enlarge to fill the entire slide. Format the photo so it sits behind all the other text on the slide (click picture format, send backward-send to the back) and change the transparency to 50% or more.
- In an effort to create a safe space, it is imperative to set some ground rules for the class. Adjust the rules as necessary, or to fit the training environment. Ask participants if there are any additional ground rules they would like to have set for the class. Let participants know that this presentation will NOT train them to be mental health providers/coaches but will provide an overview of the issue of suicide in the workplace. They will gain a better understanding of why suicide in the workplace should be a concern for organizations as well as action items and resources to help start or improve mental health and wellness programs.
- What is the issue and why are we talking about it today? The following slides help paint the picture of mental wellness and suicide in America.
- When it comes to mental health and wellness, a lot of what people feel is driven by external factors that add to existing stress levels or lead to feelings of depression. This is a list of common work and external factors that can contribute to people with mental health conditions. Ask the class if there are any additional factors that are not listed on the slide.
- In addition to work factors, social and political issues can affect how people feel and respond to external stressors. If there is time in the presentation, use some of these issues as talking points for group discussion. How can each of these (or a select few) impact mental health and wellness. Do not expect everyone to participate in the discussion and avoid calling people out to respond. Some individuals may not feel comfortable or be in a position to express their thoughts on the subject. If there is no group interaction, be prepared to offer some personal examples or observances and move on with the presentation.
- Many individuals experience stress, anxiety, anger, and depression, although these symptoms may not be professionally diagnosed. Stress and mental illnesses can manifest themselves physically and compound feelings of depression. If left unaddressed, these can all lead to thoughts of suicide and even suicide attempts. Promote the need for intervention and professional assistance as they will be discussed later in the presentation.
- Extrapolate any data that may be pertinent to the audience. Resources: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Suicide Statistics: https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics National Fact Sheets: https://www.datocms-assets.com/12810/1616589783-14155afspnationalfactsheet2021m1v2.pdf State Fact Sheets: https://afsp.org/state-fact-sheets Center for Disease Control (CDC) WISQARS Injury Data: https://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/index.html
- Extrapolate any data that may be pertinent to the audience.
- Extrapolate any data that may be pertinent to the audience.
- Extrapolate any data that may be pertinent to the audience.
- Extrapolate any data that may be pertinent to the audience.
- Now that there has been some discussion around the issue of mental wellness and suicide in the United States, let’s look at some of the risk factors and warning signs of suicide.
- To understand suicide, there needs to be an understanding of the theory of suicidal behavior. People who take their life by suicide often exhibit all three of the risk factors indicated: a perceived burdensomeness, a thwarted belongingness, and an acquired capacity for suicide. It is important to clarify that all these risk factors are the REALITY for the person experiencing them. It does not matter what others think or feel, these are very real feelings for the individual experiencing them. They truly feel that they are a burden and everyone else would be better off if they were not around. They feel that they do not fit in with any social norm and are disconnected from others. They no longer have a fear of death and have access to lethal means. Additional Resources: American Psychosociological Association (APA): The interpersonal-psychological theory of suicidal behaviors: Current empirical status https://www.apa.org/science/about/psa/2009/06/sci-brief PMC: US National Library of Medicine/National Institutes of Health: The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3130348/
- This list of risk factors, although not inclusive, can provide a good overview of some of the stressors or external influences that can lead to suicidal ideation or attempted suicide. Ask the participants if there are any additional risk factors they have observed or know of. Some individuals may not feel comfortable or be in a position to express their thoughts on the subject. If there is no group interaction, be prepared to offer some personal examples or observances and move on with the presentation. Resources: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Wallet Cards: https://store.samhsa.gov/product/National-Suicide-Prevention-Lifeline-Wallet-Card-Suicide-Prevention-Learn-the-Warning-Signs/SVP13-0126 National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Risk of Suicide: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Common-with-Mental-Illness/Risk-of-Suicide
- This list of warning signs, although not inclusive, can provide a good overview of some of the stressors or external influences that can lead to suicidal ideation or attempted suicide. Ask the participants if there are any additional warning signs they have observed or heard of. Some individuals may not feel comfortable or be in a position to express their thoughts on the subject. If there is no group interaction, be prepared to offer some personal examples or observances and move on with the presentation.
- In order to break the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide in the workplace, we must be courageous enough to begin the conversation. The more we talk about these difficult subjects, the more people will feel comfortable opening up and seeking help. People need to know that they are not alone and that there are people and places where it is okay to be vulnerable.
- If you observe the risk factors and warning signs discussed, it may be necessary to confront the individual directly, or direct them to someone who is more qualified to have the conversation. Show care and compassion, DO NOT judge. This is not the time to be afraid of conflict or possible HR issues. It is perfectly acceptable to ask someone how they are feeling and show empathy. Be prepared to have a difficult conversation and actively listen. If you are not in a good place mentally yourself, you should redirect the person to someone else. It is important for you to show the person that they are not alone, they are important, and you are willing to give help as you are able.
- Anyone can have a conversation. You do not need to be a trained professional, remember that you are NOT diagnosing anything, you are simply offering care and compassion. It is important for people to know where to go and what to do in the event they suspect someone may be having suicidal thoughts. Equip and empower your employees with the resources and knowledge to speak up and identify resources and people that can help.
- The following are some action items participants can take back to their organization to create or improve their mental health and wellness programs.
- End the program with a quick check-in to see how the participants are doing. This presentation was full of tough conversations and material. Some people may be feeling overwhelmed and may need some additional time to digest the information. Offer to stick around for a bit to discuss any issues or concerns.