This week, we received a great question about what to do if you suspect your colleague is suicidal.  People are beginning to return to public spaces after over a year of social distancing. As people re-enter their workplaces, it is inevitable that our mental health needs may look a little different than they did before the pandemic. Employers may need to be more sensitive towards the emotional needs of their employees, and this may include an emphasis on suicide prevention.

Even on the job there are things we can do to prevent suicide. If you notice a co-worker is struggling, it is appropriate to check-in with them and let them know you’re concerned. Many people fear asking if someone is suicidal. Perhaps they worry they won’t know how to help or maybe they’re concerned about being offensive. It is much harder to live with the feelings of regret for not taking red flags seriously than the temporary discomfort of one awkward conversation.  Some jobs have higher risks of suicide amongst employees. In every office, but especially for high-risk professions, there must be an emphasis on preventing suicide from the top down.  Your workplace may offer many benefits that can help a colleague in crisis such as HR or Employee Assistance Programs.  For more on this, check out this week’s blog, EAPs in the Workplace.