Mental Illness Is an Equal Opportunity Affliction.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Suicide Rising in the Workplace

On the heels of the high-profile tragedies of fashion designer Kate Spade and popular chef Anthony Bourdain, many employers wonder how they best can support their employees and colleagues who might be struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. This is a valid concern, as workplace suicides have become a more common event in recent years.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics, suicides have increased by 35% in the last 10 years, and The Wall Street Journal says, "As suicide rates have climbed in recent years, so have instances of employees ending their lives at the workplace."

Adds Rob Wilson, president of Employco USA, Westmont, Ill.: "Of the 44,965 suicides last year, 291 of these deaths occurred in the workplace, which is a record high.'

The trauma of a workplace suicide can be devastating for coworkers and colleagues, even those who did not directly witness the event or know the employee involved. "People instantly start to blame themselves and wonder what they could have done differently. They might feel anxious or have difficulty concentrating. The ripple effect will touch the entire office, whether your company is large or small," says Wilson.

"Every company should consider having an employee-assistance program for times like this. You can hire a therapist, particularly one with experience in suicide prevention. Create set times during the week where each employee will have time to sit down and speak with the counselor.

"You could also consider putting literature from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline somewhere in the office, such as the employee breakroom or kitchen--and, when you see an employee who seems especially rundown or overworked, you might consider having a one-on-one chat to make sure that individual is okay. Encourage everyone to use their vacation time and to take time away from the office to clear their head.

'The sad reality is that we are having a mental health crisis in our country at the moment. Some industries are having a particularly hard time right now but, no matter where you work, our country's current climate is tense, combative, and anxiety-inducing. We all need to reach out and support one another a little bit better.'

EMPLOYEES

Make Wellness Practices a Workplace Priority

The suicides of iconic fashion designer Kate Spade and internationally renowned chef Anthony Bourdain renewed...