Breaking the Silence: Suicide Prevention in Our Communities and Workplaces

By Christian Gabarda | Client Well-Being and Engagement Consultant

September is Suicide Prevention Month, with September 8th through 14th being the National Suicide Prevention Week. Countries around the world recognize September 10th as World Suicide Prevention Day.
 

Suicide is a sensitive topic but an important one to discuss openly. According to the World Health Organization, over 700,000 people die by suicide annually around the world, and for each suicide, there are an estimated 20 attempts. It’s essential to break the silence and have open conversations about suicide, as this can help reduce stigma and encourage those in need to seek help. Suicide does not discriminate when it comes to age groups. According to the CDC data for Pennsylvania, suicide ranks as the 2nd leading cause of death for ages 10-14, 3rd for ages 15-24, 2nd for ages 25-34, 4th for ages 35-44, 5th for ages 45-54, 9th for ages 55-64, and 12th for ages 65+. Across the United States in 2022, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death.  

So, what can we do? The topic of suicide is not a comfortable topic to discuss with anyone, but many people have been affected by it in some way. We can start by understanding the risk factors and the warning signs.  

 

First, we must understand some risk factors that may make someone we care about more likely to consider or attempt to harm themselves.   

Here are some known risk factors provided by 988lifeline.org: 

• Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders 

• Alcohol and other substance use disorders 

• Hopelessness 

• Impulsive and aggressive tendencies 

• History of trauma or abuse 

• Major physical illnesses 

• Previous suicide attempt(s) 

• Family history of suicide 

• Job or financial loss 

• Lack of social support and sense of isolation 

 

Knowing the warning signs could help determine if someone you love or care may be at risk.  
988lifeline.org provides the warning signs below to look out for:  

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves 

• Looking for a way to way to kill themselves 

• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live 

• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain 

• Talking about being a burden to others 

• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs 

• Acting anxious or agitated 

• Sleeping too little or too much 

• Withdrawing or isolating themselves 

• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge 

• Extreme mood swings 

988lifeline.org states that suicide is not inevitable for anyone, but by starting the conversation, providing support, and directing help to those who need it, we can prevent suicides and save lives. Are you ready to start the conversation? 

 

Below are essential resources available for anyone in need.  

National resources: 

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988; or speak with someone on the computer visit https://988lifeline.org/chat/  

• Veterans Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988, press 1 

• Spanish Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988, press 2 

• LGBTQI+ Affirming Counseling for Youth: Text Q to 988, or call 988 press 3 

• Native and Strong Lifeline Native and Strong Lifeline: 988, press 4 

• Crisis Text Line: TEXT PA to 741741 or visit http://www.crisisttextline.org/  

• The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386, text 678-678, or visit https://www.thetrevorproject.org  

• Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860 https://www.translifeline.org  

 

Pennsylvania resources: 

• List of Crisis Intervention contact information by county. 

• County Task Force Resources: By county, available contact information is provided for crisis, the Suicide Prevention Task Force, local chapter of AFSP, and other local mental health/suicide prevention resources. 

• University of Pittsburgh STAR-Center Postvention Services: Consultation for school districts and agencies regarding postvention. Call 412-864-3346, available 24/7 

• AgriStress Helpline for Pennsylvania farmers and their families, available 24/7. Call or text 1-833-897-AGRI (2474).  

• Jana Marie Foundation: https://janamariefoundation.org/  

• Aevidum: http://aevidum.com/  

• Prevent Suicide PA: https://preventsuicidepa.org/  

• Pennsylvania Network for Student Assistance Services (PNSAS): https://pnsas.org/  

• Services for Teens at Risk (STAR) Center: https://www.starcenter.pitt.edu/  

• PA Department of Agriculture: Mental Wellness Resources for the Agricultural Community 

• PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs: https://dmvapa.service-now.com/csp   

Since many of us spend much of our time at work, colleagues are often the first to notice signs of distress, making the workplace a vital setting for mental health support. Creating a supportive environment where employees feel safe discussing their challenges is essential. Employers can promote mental health resources, offer training, and encourage a healthy work-life alignment, with leaders playing a key role in reducing stigma. In addition to the resources listed above, several free tools exist to help employers create a safer, more supportive workplace. 

 

Employer resources: 

• Mental Health America’s Bell Seal Program for Workplace Mental Health: https://www.mhanational.org/bestemployers  

• Suicide Prevention Resource Center: https://sprc.org/settings/workplaces/  

• Workplace Strategies for Mental Health: https://www.workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com/  

• Workplace Suicide Prevention: https://workplacesuicideprevention.com/resources/  

 

References: 

“How We Can All Prevent Suicide.” 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 988lifeline.org/how-we-can-all-prevent-suicide/. Accessed [August 29, 2024].

“Suicide.” World Health Organization, www.who.int/health-topics/suicide#tab=tab_1. Accessed [August 29, 2024].