5 tips to Help a Manager Support Someone Who’s Been Bereaved by Suicide

Concerned, then shocked

I was concerned when one of my clients kept putting off Mental Health First Aid Training for their managers. Every time I contacted them, as they expressed their managers needed these skills they would say, “But we don’t have the budget right now”.

My concern turned to shock when they contacted me because one of their senior managers had taken his own life….

The ripple effect

The knock-on effect on the company of losing a senior member of team in such a devastating way was huge. The ripple of shock and sadness was widely felt …. so many people suffered.

Even if we are not related to the person who has taken their own life, we may feel unsettled, upset and at a loss to what to say and do for others.

Feelings of guilt

The ultimate point of no return for too many people, their families and their friends, and along with everyone left behind. We often ask – what could we have done to prevent that person from reaching that point? How could I have helped? How could I have spotted the signs? Did I put too much pressure on them??Why didn’t I ease their workload more?

How can we support our team if they have been exposed to someone taking their own life, whether a work colleague, a friend, a family member, or even an acquaintance? People are affected on all levels.??

Viewpoint from a suicide assessment therapist

Khara Crosswaite Brindle explains in her interview on Mental Health Chats YouTube and Podcast how we can honour their memory, not the method. (LINK:?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTasFwTpuZM ). Khara is a suicide assessment therapist, and through personal experience helps others understand how to help yourself and others when someone you know has died by suicide.

Here are 5 ways to support others who have been bereaved by suicide:

1. Make time to check how they are. This does not have to be in the office. You may go for a walk, or a coffee.
2. Give them time to tell their story.
3. Be present and listen.
4. Don’t judge them.
5. Remember, there are no time limits, they may feel fine one day, but then be triggered on another day.

Support

Many charities, including The Samaritans have helplines for people to contact them if they have suicidal thoughts. Here is the link for more information:?https://www.samaritans.org/

Spotting the signs

I run programmes for managers, covering a range of topics to help you?spot the signs of mental health concerns, have mental health conversations confidently, and manage stress and wellbeing in the workplace.?Don’t wait for someone you know to take their own life, to shake up the way you approach your team’s mental health. The more time you invest in emotional resilience early on, the more prepared your team will be to handle life changing events.

Book a strategy call to discuss how to help your managers enhance a culture of positive mental health here:?https://calendly.com/novaassociates/strategy-call