Your Support Makes a Difference to Someone Struggling
More than 700,000 people die by suicide every year. For every suicide, there are more than 20 suicide attempts.
Suicides and suicide attempts are a serious health problem that can have profound and lasting effects on families, friends, coworkers, and communities. That’s why it’s important to be prepared and know how you can help when you sense someone may be having a hard time. Everyone can support themselves and others from suicidal thoughts and behavior.
Suicides are preventable. “Creating Hope Through Action” is the theme for World Suicide Prevention Day on Sunday, Sept. 10. This theme is a powerful reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and our actions, no matter how big or small, can provide hope to others who are struggling.
What can you do? If you know of a coworker or family member who is seriously down or depressed, you can support them by:
- Asking them if they are thinking about suicide
- Keeping them safe by calling for help
- Being there for them
- Helping them connect with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 and by sharing the resources GEA provides at no charge
- Following up to see how they’re doing
How GEA supports mental health
- Partnering with CareATC and Anthem to provide counseling services onsite and virtually
- Requiring Trauma-Informed Training for all managers
- Inviting employees to attend mental health training sessions like QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer Suicide Prevention Training and Mental Health First Aid
- Providing benefits that address wellness issues impacting employees’ mental health (e.g., help for addiction, Type 2 diabetes reversal, financial education)
- Continuing the conversation around mental health as an organization by hosting quarterly Mental Health Matters series that includes live and online content for employees