It is never an easy topic to discuss, but statistics show that we probably have people around us fighting fierce battles.

Yesterday (16), our ALA Houston lunch topic was "Workplace Strategies for Resilience, Mental Health, and Suicide Prevention." Thank you, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas, for the insightful presentation!

Some of my takeaways from the event:

1 - It is human to have suicidal thoughts in reaction to personal losses. Many people consider suicide, and tackling those thoughts increases their chances of overcoming them. 

If you are fighting this battle, you don't need to hold all that burden by yourself. I know you are a fighter, and because we are somehow connected, let me give you a hand. Please be in touch. I will feel honored by your confidence, and we will figure a way out together!

2 - People who die of suicide (new terminology) have usually fought a long battle and, in many instances, it is combined with depression, suicidal thoughts, or addictions. It is not an overnight decision, nor it is the same for each person.

3 - Based on conversations with people who survived a suicide initiative, most say they have feelings of regret right after the act. It was a desperate attempt to solve problems in the wrong way. Many of the survivors are able to readjust to their lives and get back on track.

4- Significant (and usually adverse) life events, such as divorce, new birth or adoption (some people are overcome by the burden of a new family member), layoffs, bankruptcy, a miscarriage, the loss of a beloved one, among other life events can trigger suicidal thoughts.

5 - Sometimes, people don't feel comfortable sharing what they are going through. However, some life changes can be clues of stressful situations. For instance, they are changing their names after a divorce, moving, switching cars, using days off without planning, and the list continues. We must be attentive to what is going on in the lives of people around us. If there are drastic behavioral changes, we should check to see if the person needs support. The more successful they seem to be, the tougher it may be to overcome their self-pride.

6 - The best way to prevent suicide is related to connecting with other humans and with their purpose in life.

To my Brazilian friends, you may also contact CVV (www.cvv.org.br). 

I have been thinking since I left the event about our workplace and the difference between belonging and fitting in. Belonging connects you as part of something.  

The questions that remain in my mind are: 

What can we do to support people in feeling they belong, rather than only helping them to fit into our companies? 

What role can HR, leaders, and colleagues play in this effort?