Suicide prevention in the workplace and beyond A talk for Tri-County Safety Council Cincinnati, OH

Suicide discussed today, take care of yourself This is a highly sensitive topic that might trigger feelings of discomfort, or even trauma if your life has been directly impacted by suicide. You may be a loss or an attempt survivor, or you might have thoughts yourself. If this presentation is uncomfortable for you, please feel free to take a break as needed. If you need resources for help, please see me after the presentation. Suicide discussed today, take care of yourself

National Statistics

Ohio Statistics

What is suicide? Emotional pain cause by a variety of factors Pain is considered irreversible Problems do not seem to have a solution Often people do not want to “burden others” and will try to live with the pain until their strength is gone People who are suicidal don’t want to die, they just want the pain to go away What is suicide?

What suicide is NOT A cowardly act A selfish act Most often NOT a result of a single triggering event (it may look that way, but there are often several other factors) What suicide is NOT

Suicide is not gender neutral We lost 45,000 people a year to suicide in the U.S. Over 34,000 are males. Over 31,000 are middle aged white males. Why do you think we are losing our men (and more specifically our white men) to suicide? Suicide is not gender neutral

A 2008 research study conducted in England exploring patterns of suicide by occupation showed that construction workers and plant and machine operators had highest rates of suicide A 2011 study in Australia found that 41% of all deaths of construction workers (all males) were by suicide In the US in 2012, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that agriculture, construction, and trades were the occupations with the highest suicide rates. Other occupations with higher suicide rates are first responders and physicians Suicide by occupation

Let’s have a conversation… What is it about the culture of men and trades that might provide some insight into this problem? This is a global issue, that our white, middle-aged, construction and tradesman are more likely to die by suicide than any other gender and occupation. Why? Women attempt suicide four times more than men, but men die four times more than women. Why do you suspect this is? Let’s have a conversation…

Suicide Myths and Facts Myth: No one can stop a suicide, it is inevitable. Fact: If people in a crisis get the help they need, they will probably never be suicidal again. Myth: Confronting a person about suicide will only make them angry and increase the risk of suicide. Fact: Asking someone directly about suicidal intent lowers anxiety, :opens up communication and lowers the risk of an impulsive act. Myth: Only experts can prevent suicide. Fact: Suicide prevention is everybody’s business, and anyone can help prevent the tragedy of suicide Suicide Myths and Facts

Suicide Verbal Clues “I just can’t live any longer like this” “I can’t go on without (name)” “I’ve decided I’m going to kill myself” “I wish I could just go to sleep and never wake up” “I just wish I would die” Suicide Verbal Clues

Behavioral Clues Any previous suicide attempt Acquiring a gun or stockpiling pills Co-occurring depression, moodiness, hopelessness Putting personal affairs in order Giving away prized possessions Sudden interest or disinterest in religion Drug or alcohol abuse, or relapse after a period of recovery Unexplained anger, aggression and irritability

Situational clues Being fired or being expelled from school A recent unwanted move Loss of any major relationship Death of a spouse, child, or best friend, especially if by suicide Diagnosis of a serious or terminal illness Sudden unexpected loss of freedom/fear of punishment Anticipated loss of financial security Loss of a cherished therapist, counselor or teacher Fear of becoming a burden to others Situational clues

ASK A QUESTION, SAVE A LIFE It’s normal to be nervous or anxious when you know you should ask someone if they feel suicidal. Tips for Asking the Suicide Question If in doubt, don’t wait, ask the question If the person is reluctant, be persistent Talk to the person alone in a private setting Allow the person to talk freely Give yourself plenty of time ASK A QUESTION, SAVE A LIFE

Try not to invalidate the person. How NOT to ask the suicide question: “You’re not thinking of killing yourself, are you?” “You wouldn’t do anything stupid would you?” “Suicide is a dumb idea. Surely you’re not thinking about suicide?” Try not to invalidate the person.

The difference between suicidal thoughts, intent, and plan Suicidal thoughts are not uncommon. Some of you may have had suicidal thoughts in your lifetime. This doesn’t always mean imminent danger. Sometimes suicidal thoughts are used as a way of coping with emotional pain when other coping skills aren’t present. Suicidal intent is when someone wishes to die and has some desire to accomplish death. Suicidal intent and plan is when the intent is coupled with a lethal means plan. For example, getting access to a firearm, pills, or rope. The difference between suicidal thoughts, intent, and plan

Validate and Persuade someone to stay with you and get help “When someone has so much pain they want to end their life, they may feel like it’s the only way. There are other options, and there is hope to feel better. Will you stay with me while we get you some help?” “Hold on with me. We’re going to get you some help.” “You may not feel this way now, but you are valuable and your life is important. Let’s get you somewhere so you can talk to someone about how to feel better.” You can call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline together 1-800-273-8255 Validate and Persuade someone to stay with you and get help

If you are concerned about immediate safety, call 911 If you are concerned about immediate safety, call 911. Stay with the person until help arrives. If you are on the phone with someone who is actively at risk to themselves, try to text 911 or download smart911 app on your phone If someone is not in danger to themselves Getting Help

Help resources Crisis lines National suicide prevention lifeline 1-800-273-8255 Crisis text line text 4hope to 741741 Mental health treatment for crisis, depression, anxiety, grief, coping, or other needs Suicide crises are often handled in emergency rooms Mental health treatment (ongoing) may depend on your health plan Further training Mental health first aid www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org Help resources

Questions?