On World Suicide Prevention Day find out how to support those struggling with mental health. Vicki Cockman shares her insight

Suicide is still largely seen as a taboo topic and even the most progressive organisations can be hesitant about sharing suicide prevention advice in the workplace. Workplace silence on suicide means many employees are continuing to use outdated and harmful language that’s further fuelling the stigma.

Recent research from Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England, released in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th, reveals that 66% of employees still use stigmatizing language such as “committed suicide.” This term has its roots in a time when suicide was considered a criminal act, and its use can imply blame.

The use of outdated language, both in the workplace and elsewhere, is a barrier to having crucial, potentially life-saving discussions about suicide. Employers have a duty to guide their staff on using appropriate language, such as “died by suicide,” which is more neutral and avoids negative implications.

The need for training and updated workplace mental health and wellbeing strategies could not come at a more pressing time. Last week the Office for National Statistics released new data showing suicide rates in England and Wales have reached their highest level since 1999.

Workplace involvement

Research suggests as many as 650 suicides in the UK each year could be work related – this is approximately 10% of all suicides. We all have a responsibility to prevent suicide and employers can play a significant role in this by encouraging and enabling conversations about mental health to happen at work.

Sharing information and improving your workforce’s knowledge on mental health and suicide awareness is a key part of embedding a suicide prevention strategy. MHFA England’s free resource ‘Suicide. Let’s Talk’  provides advice on how to support someone experiencing suicide thoughts or behaviour.

There are six key things to consider when discussing or supporting someone with suicidal thoughts at work.

Recognise the warning signs

Suicide is complex. Most of the time there isn’t one event or factor that leads someone to take their own life. It is usually a variety of lots of different issues interacting with each other to increase risk.

Warning signs to look out for include changes in someone’s personality or behaviour, for example if someone appears to be putting their affairs in order.

Don’t be afraid to ask someone if they are thinking of suicide

MHFA England’s research shows only 10% of employees know the best way to save the life of someone thinking of suicide is to ask them directly whether they have a plan to end their life. Lots of people still incorrectly think this might make someone more likely to have suicidal thoughts or ‘put the idea’ in their head.

However, research shows asking simple, direct questions about suicide can encourage the person you’re speaking with to be honest about how they’re feeling and help identify the risk and what to do.

Know what to do in a crisis

If someone does reveal they are having suicidal thoughts this can feel scary. Knowing what to do can help you manage the situation. If the person is at immediate risk of attempting suicide or has harmed themselves, dial 999.

If someone is having thoughts of suicide even if they don’t have a plan to end their life, encourage them to do one of the following:

• Call Samaritans on 116 123
• Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258
• Call Hopeline247 on 0800 068 4141
• Call 111, select the mental health option and speak to a trained mental health professional.

You don’t need to have all the answers

Listening helps people to know that you care. Often people feel like they need to know all the answers, but this isn’t the case. If someone shares how they’re feeling or that they are having suicidal thoughts, thank them for being brave enough to share this with you. Express empathy, even if you don’t understand their emotions or point of view.

Keep checking in

Improvement does not mean that the risk of suicide is over. Most suicides occur within the three months of the onset period of ‘improvement’ and suicidal thoughts and behaviour can return at any point.

Keep checking in with the person on a regular basis, talk to them about how they’re feeling and if you’re worried about them, follow the above guidance and ask direct, simple questions about if they are thinking of ending their life. This will help you analyse the level of risk and signpost to appropriate support.

Boundaries and self-care

Supporting someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts can have an impact on your own mental health so it’s important to practice self-care following a suicide crisis and seek professional help if needed.

Correctly interpreting how someone else is feeling can be difficult. It’s very important not to blame yourself if you aren’t able to spot the signs that someone is feeling suicidal. You should also never agree to keep suicide thoughts or behaviours confidential. You may need to speak to others to ensure a person’s safety.

Encourage communication

We all need to be proactive if we think someone is struggling with their mental health or having thoughts of suicide. Conversations about mental health need to be encouraged and normalised in every organisation, but this won’t happen unless employers foster safe environments where people feel able to discuss sensitive topics.

Suicide prevention strategies should be part of your wider approach to mental health and wellbeing.  To support this, MHFA England has created a free resource, Five pillars of suicide prevention in the workplace to help employers get started or improve on their journey to embedding suicide prevention in their organisation.

---

Vicki Cockman is Director of Training and Consultancy at MHFA England