September is the month we set aside to discuss the difficult topic of suicide. Suicide is preventable if we pay attention to those around us and connect with a caring attitude toward those we suspect may be at risk.
A few risk factors include a family history of suicide, substance use, access to firearms, serious or chronic medical illness, history of trauma or abuse, or a recent tragedy or loss.
If you feel someone is in pain, connecting with them is the first step to protecting them. Ask if they are thinking about suicide. This communicates that you’re open to talking about suicide in a non-judgmental and supportive way and is shown to decrease suicidal thoughts, not increase them.
Be there, physically or over the phone, and let the person know you care and they are not alone. Help them connect to resources, such as One Source EAP, their local clergy, or other caring resources in the community. Be sure to follow up to increase the connection and reinforce your ongoing support.
If you have risk factors or have a colleague or loved one who does, One Source EAP can help with 24/7/365 access at 800-300-0628. All calls are strictly confidential. Our counselors can meet with you face-to-face or virtually.
Warning Signs
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) discusses warning signs of suicide to look for to try and connect with an individual who may be in crisis:
- Increased alcohol and drug use
- Aggressive behavior
- Withdrawal from friends, family, and community
- Dramatic mood swings
- Impulsive or reckless behavior
- Collecting pills or buying a weapon
- Giving away possessions
- Tying up loose ends
- Saying goodbye to loved ones
Register For the September Zoom Seminar, “Preventing Suicide in the Workplace,” and watch the August Replay
Join the September One Source EAP 30-minute seminar, “Preventing Suicide In The Workplace,” on Tuesday, September 17th at noon. View the full list of Monthly Seminars and register for one or more of the remaining sessions.
You can also watch a replay of the August seminar, “Laughter Is The Best Medicine.”
Request other seminar topics for your workgroup. Visit the seminar page on our website to review the list of our seminar offerings. Request a seminar for your team.
