Suicide Prevention in the Workplace
September 2024 - Rodney Diehl
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness and unite against suicide. Organizations, survivors, allies, and community members come together throughout the month to promote awareness and advocate for those affected.
World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 reminds us to honor those we've lost, raise awareness, and advocate for systemic change by addressing the broader cultural and environmental factors contributing to suffering and suicide. National Suicide Prevention Week, observed around this day, is focused on sharing resources and stories to further the cause.
Suicide Statistics
According to the CDC WISQARS Leading Causes of Death Reports in 2021:
Suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S., claiming over 48,100 lives.
The rate among working-age individuals is approximately 33% higher than two decades ago.
Suicide was the 2nd leading cause of death among ages 10-14 and 25-34, the 3rd for ages 15-24, and the 5th for ages 35-44.
There were nearly twice as many suicides (48,183) as homicides (26,031).
In 2022, suicide claimed more than 49,000 lives in the U.S., a death every 11 minutes. The urgency has grown in the wake of the pandemic, exacerbated by ongoing mental health and overdose crises, social isolation, and inequities in healthcare access.
Workplace-Related Risks
The workplace is a key environment that may contribute to an increased suicide risk. Job stress, low support, and access to lethal means have been identified as contributors. In 2017, suicide deaths among individuals of working-age increased by 40%, with five major industry groups showing the highest rates: Mining, Quarrying, Oil and Gas Extraction, Construction, Landscaping, and Maintenance. Auto repair, Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Hunting, and Transportation and Warehousing are also industries of higher concern. Among Healthcare, physicians, dentists, and pharmacists rank among the top ten most affected.
Role of the Manager in Preventing Suicide
Managers are well-positioned to notice if employees are struggling and can take the first steps to help. Creating a work environment that fosters communication, belonging, and respect can significantly decrease suicide risk. Stigma can prevent people from seeking help, but managers can reassure employees that mental health problems are real and treatable, and discuss them as openly as physical illnesses.
Know the Warning Signs
Recognizing warning signs is critical. These may include:
Talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless
Looking for ways to kill themselves
Increasing alcohol or drug use
Withdrawing or isolating themselves
Showing extreme mood swings
If you or someone you know shows these signs, seek help by calling the Lifeline (988).
Know the Risk Factors
Risk factors include mental disorders, substance use, job loss, lack of social support, and access to lethal means. Cultural and religious beliefs, stigma, and exposure to others who have died by suicide also play a role.
Responding to Those at Risk
If an employee shows signs of immediate risk, take action:
Call 911 if self-harm seems imminent.
Contact your workplace’s EAP or the Lifeline (988) for guidance.
for UVA you can contact FEAP’s Crisis & Care Coordination
Stay with the person until help arrives, and maintain contact for ongoing support.
Workplace Strategies to Prevent Suicide
Evidence-based strategies include promoting help-seeking behaviors, integrating wellness programs, referring workers to supportive services, and creating crisis response plans. It’s essential to foster social connectedness and reduce access to lethal means for those at risk.
We can all make a difference in reversing rising suicide rates, regardless of our industry. Sometimes, all it takes is a calm, listening ear, a caring colleague, and assurance that they are not alone.
Other times, they need connections to mental health or crisis services. Regardless of our industry or occupation, we all have a role in reversing rising suicide rates in our nation.
The CDC has recommended eight evidence-based strategies to help prevent suicide:
Promoting help-seeking behavior, particularly for mental health and substance misuse care.
Integrating workplace health, safety, and wellness programs to enhance overall worker well-being.
Referring workers to financial and other supportive services.
Facilitating time off and benefits to cover supportive services.
Training personnel to detect and respond to suicide risk. The workplace is crucial for noticing signs of distress, checking in with colleagues, and connecting them to appropriate services.
Creating opportunities for social connectedness among employees.
Reducing access to lethal means for individuals at risk.
Developing a crisis response plan that addresses the needs of co-workers, friends, family, and others who might also be at risk.
Community-Based Strategies Cited by the CDC:
Strengthening economic supports
Improving access to and delivery of care
Teaching coping and problem-solving skills
Reporting suicide responsibly, avoiding contagion
Consider Cultural Differences
Cultural background affects how people respond to problems, including attitudes toward suicide and help-seeking. Tailor your response to accommodate these differences; for example, some individuals may prefer speaking with a faith leader rather than a mental health provider.
Crisis Contact Information:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988lifeline.org
Regional Call Center: 434-230-9704
Local Crisis Numbers:
Region Ten CSB: 434-972-1800 (regionten.org)
Harrisonburg Rockingham CSB: 540.434.1766 (hrcsb.org)
Encompass Community Supports: (540) 617-0774 (encompasscommunitysupports.org)
FEAP’s Approach to Suicide Prevention
A 2023 study highlighted increased suicidal ideation and attempts during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among adults and clinical patients. In response, FEAP has implemented routine risk assessment using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale at the initial appointment. Protocols are in place to determine the appropriate level of required care and, if necessary, a safety plan is completed with the employee.
The Crisis & Care Coordinator (CCC) role has improved responsiveness to crises and provided timely consultations and interventions, including safety evaluations and referrals. FEAP also provides after-hours and weekend support by skilled mental health professionals, ensuring continuous access to crisis intervention if needed.
Contact FEAP
FEAP (8am-5pm M-F): 434-243-2643 (uvafeap.com)
Crisis & Care Coordinator (8am-5pm M-F): 434-995-8305 (uvafeap.com)
FEAP After-Hours Support: 434-243-2643
About the Author
Rodney Diehl
With over 25 years of experience in hospital and community mental health and substance use services, Rodney specializes in Crisis Intervention and Emergency Services. He has extensive experience in assessment and diagnosis, brief individual therapy, case management, community education and training, and anger management group facilitation. He is committed to providing trauma-informed, culturally competent care with a person-centered, strengths-based approach.
For further information on suicide prevention, please visit the following resources: