Creating a Culture of Care: Suicide Awareness in the Workplace

I am dedicated to advocating for mental health awareness, especially in workplace settings. Suicide Awareness Month in September presents an opportunity to address one of the most critical and challenging topics: suicide prevention. While discussing suicide can be difficult, it is essential, particularly in the workplace, where many people spend a large portion of their lives.

Suicide Prevention in the Workplace: A Critical Need

Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, with over 49,000 lives lost in 2022 alone. Of those, over 37,000 deaths occurred among individuals of working age (16 to 64 years)(CDC )(SAVE Campaign ). These statistics emphasize the urgent need for proactive suicide prevention strategies in the workplace.

Workplaces serve as environments of community, structure, and purpose, but they can also be sources of stress, job insecurity, and work-life imbalance, all of which increase mental health risks. Employers must actively address the stigma surrounding mental health in the same way physical health conditions are treated—with urgency, compassion, and care.

Language Matters: Changing How We Talk About Suicide

A key element of suicide prevention is understanding how to talk about it. The language we use when discussing suicide can either reduce stigma or unintentionally perpetuate it. Common phrases like "committed suicide" carry judgmental connotations that link suicide to criminal acts. Instead, using "died by suicide" reflects the understanding that suicide often results from complex mental health challenges. Similarly, avoid phrases like "successful" or "failed" suicide attempts, as they imply value judgments about outcomes and can further stigmatize survivors of suicide attempts.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Employers are in a unique position to notice early signs of mental distress in the workplace. Risk factors such as depression, substance abuse, and chronic pain frequently precede suicidal thoughts or actions. Additionally, stressful life events like the loss of a loved one, divorce, or job-related pressures can exacerbate an individual’s risk.

The warning signs aren’t always obvious. Some employees might express feelings of hopelessness, while others may withdraw socially or experience a noticeable decline in work performance. For instance, an employee who usually meets deadlines may start missing them, or they might seem disengaged from tasks. Recognizing these signs early and addressing them with compassion could be life-saving.

What Employers Can Do

One of the most impactful actions employers can take is to foster open, supportive conversations about mental health. While asking an employee directly about suicidal thoughts might feel uncomfortable, research shows that doing so does not increase the risk. In fact, it demonstrates to the individual that their struggles are taken seriously, which can be the first step toward getting the help they need.

I encourage employers to create environments where employees feel safe discussing their mental health without fear of judgment or career consequences. Providing access to mental health resources, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and promoting self-care strategies like regular exercise, good nutrition, and adequate sleep are critical components of a supportive workplace.

The Power of Connection

Connection is a powerful protective factor against suicide. Cultivating a workplace culture where employees feel valued, understood, and connected to their colleagues reduces the isolation that often accompanies mental health crises. Employers should strive to create spaces where employees feel comfortable seeking help, whether from HR, managers, or trusted colleagues.

Commit to Mental Health: Make Suicide Prevention a Workplace Priority

Suicide prevention is a shared responsibility. By educating ourselves about the risk factors and warning signs, and learning how to engage in caring conversations, we can create a workplace culture that supports both productivity and well-being. During Suicide Awareness Month and beyond, let's commit to building workplaces where mental health is prioritized alongside physical health, and where every employee feels valued and supported.

Together, we can save lives .

For Suicide Awareness Month, I’m sharing my story to shed light on this important issue. You can support or walk with my team here: CraveHOPE - Fundraising For American Foundation for Suicide Prevention ( afsp.org )