World Suicide Prevention Day falls on 10 September this year. Suicide prevention and mental health have become very important topics during the global COVID-19 pandemic as our everyday lives have been affected in an unprecedented way. According to statistics, about 703,000 people around the world die by suicide every year. The highest rates of suicide occur in low and middle income countries as well as suicide being twice as common amongst men than women worldwide.
It is important to recognise whether something isn’t quite right in those you know. It might be that they are suffering from suicidal thoughts and feelings. Watch out for physical changes as well as those in emotion and behaviour. Some signs might include, but are not limited to, a drop in mood, acting recklessly and a disinterest in maintaining personal care.
A history of mental illness can increase the vulnerability that someone might have towards suicide ideation. Some of these conditions include bipolar disorder, PTSD, depression and anxiety. It is known that those suffering from depression are twenty times more likely to die by suicide than others without the condition.
Should you have an employee whom you strongly suspect is experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings please sign post them to your department mental health first aiders and the Samaritans:
However, should Management/Human Resources (HR) wish to gain further guidance and support from a medical point of view, the following weblink provides further information regarding our Occupational Health Case Management Referrals.
https://valentineoh.co.uk/services/sickness-absence-management/
Additionally, the Employee Assistance Programme offered by Life & Progress, which includes counselling and access to mental health resources for employees is also available through opting into some of our Valentine Occupational Health packages. See a link to the Life & Progress EAP below:
https://www.lifeandprogress.co.uk/services/employee-assistance-programme-eap/
Here is also a list of charities which offer support for those suffering from mental health conditions:
https://www.remploy.co.uk/employers/mental-health-and-wellbeing
Grace Dobbin – Occupational Health Coordinator
