World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity for employers to review their support, says Towergate Health & Protection. And it’s okay to use the word ‘suicide’ to talk about it…
This World Suicide Prevention Day, 10 September 2024, Christine Husbands, commercial director, RedArc, urges the importance of being open to support others with their mental health to prevent issues from escalating:
Christine Husbands says: “There is no substitute for professional support when an individual has suicidal thoughts, but anyone could find themselves having an unexpected conversation with a friend, family member, colleague or even a stranger who has mental health problems. There are a few things to keep in mind when offering support, including listening and not judging.”
World Suicide Prevention Day: key ways for individuals and organisations provide support
The power of listening
Just being listened to can be a great relief for those struggling with their mental health. So asking open questions is important to encourage the individual to talk and be honest about how they are feeling. Similarly, it’s important to give the conversation time to develop as it can take a while for the individual to fully open up. It’s also important to take their issues seriously and not to judge their mindset or situation.
It’s OK to use the word ‘suicide’
There is no need to skirt around the subject of suicide. It’s okay to use the word, and it won’t make it more likely that someone will act on their thoughts.
Professional support
Finding professional support is an important next step which may initially be via the individual’s GP or via added-value services embedded into employee benefits, insurance, cashplans or affinity group memberships. Nobody plans to need mental health support, so it is important that support is communicated clearly so that people know what is available and how to access it when their situation necessitates it.
Prevention
Suicide can be prevented. Clinically trained mental health practitioners are best positioned to offer support before people get to that stage. They have the professional knowledge and resources available, such as arranging specialist support, signposting to help, or recommending the most appropriate therapy.
Anyone could find themselves providing emotional support to someone who is in distress, however it is essential that the emergency services are alerted if there is a concern about harm to the individual or others.
Christine Husbands concludes: “Nobody should underestimate the importance of reaching out, and the power of listening in.”
We bring you expert advice on the subject from another health care organisation.
Towergate Health & Protection is encouraging employers to review their mental health support in light of World Suicide Prevention Day, Tuesday 10 September 2024.
Debra Clark, head of wellbeing at Towergate Health & Protection explains: “Awareness Days are an opportunity for employers to review how they support their employees, and also to help employees help themselves too.”
The aim is prevention on World Suicide Prevention Day
The company emphasises the importance of prevention. This includes understanding what might cause stress in employees, which may be inside or outside of work. Potential causes of strain at work may include bullying, discrimination, abuse, uncertainty about job security, or lack of support for workload. Employers are in a unique position to build a culture that mitigates against these issues in the workplace.
Build employee resilience
Employers can help employees understand the importance of looking after their own wellbeing, as well as offer health and wellbeing programmes that help employees build resilience. This can include encouraging a healthy lifestyle, good sleep hygiene, and prioritising fitness.
Intervention
If an employee is struggling, then support is available. Training staff as Mental Health First Aiders can enable them to spot the signs that people may be struggling and signpost to support. Workplace EAPs can offer in-the-moment support for anyone struggling, and charities, including the Samaritans, are available to help in times of crisis.
Rehabilitation
There is a wealth of specialist support available for employers to support mental health, including fast-track access to specialist counselling to help people manage their wellbeing.
Debra Clark says: “There are some simple steps that employers can take to support the mental health of their staff, and it starts with prevention. If employees need specialist help, then it is available, and we’d encourage employers to investigate the options and make it available to their staff.”
The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day 2024 is ‘Changing the narrative on suicide’
This means making a systematic change, shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding and support. Employers need to prioritise mental health and increase access to support. The workplace can create its own culture from the top down and support can be offered through health and wellbeing benefits.
