Preliminary data from the 2008 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) program has revealed a disturbing trend: suicides committed in the workplace are on the rise. In 2008, 251 incidents were reported, being the highest level of workplace suicides since the CFOI program began in 1992 and 28% higher than what was recorded in the previous year.

Suicide is a topic most of us would rather not talk about. We hope it will never happen to any of our friends, colleagues or family members. However, suicide does occur and ignoring the possibility won’t make it go away.

Here are some suggestions for recognizing the signs of suicidal behaviors and ways you can help a depressed or suicidal person.

Who is at Risk for Suicide?

People in these situations might be at risk for suicide:

• Those suffering with serious illness, either psychological or physical, or a life-changing injury;
• Those who abuse alcohol or drugs;
• Those who are experiencing a major loss such as the death of a loved one, loss of a job or divorce;
• Those who are going through difficult life changes, such as teenagers and the elderly; or
• Those who have made previous suicide threats or attempts.

Suicidal Warning Signs to Watch For

There are many signs that a person needs help, such as:

• A sudden worsening performance at work;
• Neglecting appearance or hygiene;
• Violent mood swings or a sudden change in personality. Workers who become sullen, silent and withdrawn, or angry and acting out, may have problems that can lead to suicide;
• Talking about committing suicide. This should always be taken very seriously;
• Talking about feeling hopeless, helpless or desperate;
• Acting in a manner that’s out of character - for example, a normally careful person engaging in risky behavior;
• Exhibiting symptoms of depression, such as sleeplessness, isolation, loss of appetite or loss of interest in things;
• Giving away favorite possessions;
• Making preparations for death such as drawing up a will, taking out life insurance or explaining final wishes.

It’s also important to consider how many of these signs are present at one time, how long they’ve been present and how deeply the person feels about anything that’s gone wrong in his or her life.

7 Ways You Can Help a Suicidal Person

If you think someone is suicidal, here are some ways you can help:

1. Listen to the person. Give the person your full attention for as long as he or she wants to talk. Find a safe place for this conversation.
2. Encourage the person to talk about the events he or she has gone through and his or her feelings. Encourage the person to identify someone to whom they feel comfortable revealing this information.
3. Don’t make judgments about the person or what is being said. Don’t minimize the feelings with remarks such as, “You’ll get over it,” or “It’s not as bad as all that.”
4. Ask if he or she has been feeling unhappy for a long period of time, and assure the person that depression is treatable and that life can change.
5. Ask what you can do to help the person. Mention resources that may be available, such as family members, friends, clergy members, helping agencies, and crisis, counselling and treatment organizations.
6. Help the person draw up a plan of what to do and how to cope for the next few hours or next few days. This could include helping the person contact the agencies and going there with him or her.
7. It can also help to make specific plans to see the person the next day. Having a planned activity or get-together may give that person a reason to hang on for a little while longer.

Keep in mind, though, you may have to break the person’s confidentiality to get help if the person is clearly in danger of committing suicide. Saving someone’s life is worth risking their anger.

When another person is overwhelmed by sadness and despair, we have a responsibility to reach out to help. However, even when we do what we can, a suicide can still occur. Remember you are not responsible for the action that person has chosen.

Conclusion

It’s a common misconception that people who talk about committing suicide won’t do it. In fact, many people who commit or attempt suicide have either mentioned it or given some clue they were considering it. It’s also a myth that bringing up the subject of suicide will plant the idea in a person’s head. It’s exactly the opposite. When someone is contemplating suicide, what they need most is someone to listen and understand. If you think someone may be suicidal, encourage them to talk about it.

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