Suicide prevention at work
- Alice Monk
- Sep 9, 2019
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 16
Suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK, and rates among women have also increased in recent years. Since many people spend around a third of their time at work, employers and colleagues play a vital role in recognising the signs and supporting someone who may be struggling.
The signs that someone may be feeling suicidal
Everyone is different, so there is no definitive list of signs or symptoms.
Possible signs of suicidal thoughts may include:
Withdrawing from colleagues or becoming unusually quiet
Mood swings, irritability, or feelings of hopelessness
Talking about feeling like a burden or expressing suicidal thoughts
Changes in eating, sleeping, or substance use habits
Difficulty concentrating or a drop in productivity
Unusual fatigue or lack of motivation
Not everyone will show obvious signs. Some people may appear cheerful or tell you they're fine while still struggling.
The only way to know for sure is to talk with them.
Talking to someone you’re concerned about
You don’t have to be a mental health expert to help. Showing you care and being there to listen can make a huge difference.
Talking about suicide won’t make someone more likely to do it, but it might help prevent them if they are considering it.
Find a private, quiet space where you won’t be interrupted
Show you care by giving your full attention – put phones and distractions aside
Use open questions like “How are you feeling today?” or “Would you like to talk about what’s been going on?”
Be patient – they may not open up right away. Give them time and space without rushing to fill silences
Reflect back what you hear, e.g., “It sounds like you’ve been feeling really overwhelmed”
Encourage them to get support – from their GP, Samaritans, or workplace services
If they agree, you can contact the Samaritans on their behalf to arrange a call-back
If you think someone is in immediate danger, call 999
Remember to look after yourself as well – it can be difficult helping someone who is feeling suicidal. You don’t have to be feeling suicidal to contact the Samaritans, and they can help you talk through how you’re feeling.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, you can call the Samaritans for free 24/7 on 116 123 from any phone. Or, if you'd prefer, email jo@samaritans.org for a response within 24 hours.
Risk factors
Some people may be at higher risk of suicide than others, although anyone can experience suicidal thoughts. Risk factors do not guarantee someone will feel suicidal, and people without these factors may still be struggling.
Higher-risk groups include:
Men, particularly aged 45–59
People who have recently experienced bereavement
LGBTQ+ individuals
Those with a history of mental illness or recent treatment
People with a lower socio-economic status
Those dependent on alcohol or drugs
People with a history of self-harm
Individuals experiencing feelings of hopelessness, defeat, or excessive self-criticism
Our sources and for more information: https://www.samaritans.org https://www.exeter.ac.uk/media/universityofexeter/ref2014/documents/UoA2_leaflet.pdf
Zero Suicide Alliance Free Training – short, free training module
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