Tips for Suicide Prevention in the Workplace (National Suicide Prevention Week 2025)

It is estimated that twelve percent of high school students had thoughts of suicide. Not every high school student speaks about those thoughts with their peers. Yet, those thoughts can continue throughout their high school years and before starting their careers. It is necessary to bring awareness of suicide prevention through National Suicide Prevention Week in September. You can participate in National Suicide Prevention Week in many ways by spreading kindness and giving support to families that have experienced it with a family member. 

Although this is a difficult subject to speak about with someone, it is essential that you show empathy and be there for someone; It is important to prevent suicide and to be open to having a conversation to save a life. This year, National Suicide Prevention Week begins on September 7th through September 13th. Also, contacting 988 Lifeline and getting the resources for helping someone that is in emotional distress or any other form of distress. Distress can take the form of nervousness, worry, or any negative event that causes someone to feel severely depressed. Other times there are internal factors that can cause distress and not everyone shows their distress which makes it difficult to see the warning signs. 

Also, external factors can make it challenging to understand what someone is going through now. Therefore, it is important to understand emotional distress and have dedicated support from friends, family members, and someone you can fully trust. Lastly, get professional help if you are severely depressed, frustrated, excessively stressed out, or simply need someone to listen to you without judgement. It is confidential and can restore your inner peace by speaking about what is causing your pain, anger, frustration, or other circumstances. Get medical treatment if you have a health issue due to chronic distress.

Often workplace stress, family issues, financial pressures, relationship issues, and other triggers can make it tough to manage your feelings. Too much workplace pressure can change one's mood, one's behavior responses, and can change your eating routine or sleep. Nevertheless, changing your work environment might be helpful to make it feel comfortable to work. For example, if there is a group of coworkers that gossip, harass, and bully the new employee; It is recommended to report it to Human Resources especially if it is an everyday occurrence in the workplace. Do not let their gossiping and disrespectful comments make everyone feel uncomfortable at work. 

Furthermore, a negative working environment and not feeling that you belong in the workplace can make it difficult for work productivity. Also, before saying yes to a new job, make sure you feel comfortable being there. If you see any coworkers feeling stressed out or the supervisor yelling at everyone when customers are present; It is best to get a job without a hostile working environment. Additionally, reading business reviews is helpful before applying for a job. 

Although not all jobs have a higher level of stress, it is important to take care of your mental and physical wellness. Be careful when you are socializing in the workplace. If you do not feel comfortable speaking to coworkers that are always laughing when you walk in, Express your concerns and your overall perspective to Human Resources. Request for a job transfer or look for another job but do let Human Resources know about the workplace environment. Sometimes making changes in the workplace can make the workplace environment better for work productivity. 

Workplace suicide prevention is possible. You can sign a pledge for suicide prevention in the workplace. Collect medical brochures, posters, and resources about suicide prevention to put in the workplace. Also, have a day to have a mental health workshop to speak about suicide prevention. Wear yellow for suicide prevention and awareness in the workplace. 

Understand the warning signs and help someone. If you see someone getting bullied, report it. Also, if employees and you are getting paid less or have paycheck reductions, do notify the business bureau and Human Resources. Changes in everyone's work schedule can also affect your work stress and the working environment. Therefore, stopping workplace bullying is one step towards a better workplace environment. 

Next listen carefully to your coworkers. Be there for them. Do not leave them alone. Finally, contact someone that can help them. Here is a brief list of warning signs for suicide prevention in the workplace. 

1. A coworker that isolates and works long hours without breaks. 
2. A coworker uses more alcohol, energy drinks, or abuses substances.
3. A comment from a coworker about ending their life because of job loss, social pressures, and other stressful situations. 
4. Changes in one's mood and changes in behavior reactions.
5. A coworker is feeling depressed because of too much workload or job loss. 
6. A coworker that cannot complete job tasks but used to complete them in the past. 
7. A coworker that is outspoken, joyful, and withdraws from coworkers they used to speak to during lunch breaks. 
8. A coworker that plans their funeral and makes conversations about funeral arrangements, a will, and gives away things. 
9. A coworker that feels hopeless and changes in sleep or sleeps during work hours.
10. A coworker that puts themselves down. 
11.  A coworker that is fidgety, breaks pencils, or bites pens and simply stares at everyone without working. 
12. The career no longer feels fulfilling, job dissatisfaction, and everything is a disappointment in the workplace. 

However, preventing suicide is an everyday task that everyone must be aware of in the workplace. You can wear a yellow ribbon for Teenage Suicide Prevention in the workplace. Another way is by wearing teal and purple ribbons for World Suicide Prevention Day. Participate in a suicide prevention walking marathon, running marathon, and prevention webinars. Here are resources for workplace suicide prevention. 

 

Workplace Mental Health-Suicide Prevention:

Workplace Mental Health - Suicide Prevention

Preventing Suicide-SAVE: Suicide Prevention, Information, and Awareness:

Preventing suicide - SAVE: Suicide Prevention, Information, and Awareness

Tips for Coping with Suicidal Thoughts-Self-Care-Mind: 

Tips for coping with suicidal thoughts | self-care | Mind

14 Suicide Prevention Tips-Little Otter Blog:

14 Suicide Prevention Tips | Little Otter Blog

988 Lifeline-If You Need Emotional Support, Reach Out to the National Mental Health Hotline: 988:

988 Lifeline - If you need emotional support, reach out to the national mental health hotline: 988.

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