Every year, on September 10, we recognize World Suicide Prevention Day. This is an important time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support people who may be affected by suicide.
Suicide is a major public health issue that affects individuals, families, and workplaces. In the United States, more than 49,000 people died by suicide in 2023, according to the CDC. That means someone dies by suicide approximately every 11 minutes. It’s one of the leading causes of death among people ages 15 to 44. And many more people — close to 13 million — seriously think about suicide or attempt it.
These numbers can be painful and even scary to think about. But they show how important it is to have open conversations and support systems in place. Workplaces aren’t exempt from this responsibility. It’s possible, and even probable, that one of your colleagues is affected by suicidal thoughts.
Suicide is preventable. Even though you may not be a mental health professional, you can still make a difference by being present, listening, and taking action when you see signs that someone might need your support.
Here are some ways to be an ally for suicide prevention in the workplace.
Recognize the signs
You don’t always know what someone is going through just by looking at them, and suicidal thoughts can hide behind smiles and laughter. But there are certain common signs that someone might be having suicidal thoughts. It’s not your job to diagnose or fix anything. But just noticing a pattern of behavior can help you decide when you might need to act.
Here are some common signs that someone may be thinking about suicide:
- Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped, or like a burden
- Withdrawing from others or becoming isolated
- Expressing a loss of interest in work or usual activities
- Showing sudden changes in mood or behavior
- Giving away personal items or saying goodbye in subtle ways
- Mentioning thoughts of death, dying, or suicide
- Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting more irritable, agitated, or impulsive than usual
- Showing extreme fatigue, poor concentration, or trouble sleeping
- Having access to lethal means (for example, you know someone has a gun in the home)
Not everyone will show these signs, and showing one or two doesn’t necessarily mean someone is thinking about suicide. Trust your gut. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to check in.
Open conversations
One of the most helpful things you can do to support people affected by suicide is to simply start conversations. It’s okay not to know exactly what to say or have the “perfect” words. Just be genuine and approach the other person with compassion.
You might say something like:
- “I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed like yourself lately. I just wanted to check in.”
- “I’m here if you ever want to talk, or even just sit together quietly.”
Let the person guide the conversation. If they don’t feel comfortable opening up right away, that’s okay. Avoid giving unsolicited advice or attempting to “fix” it. The goal is to show them they’re not alone and that support is available for them.
If you’re close enough and feel comfortable, or if you have serious concerns, you can gently ask, “Have you been having thoughts about hurting yourself?” It might feel uncomfortable to ask, but research shows that talking about suicide directly does not increase the risk. In fact, it can open the door to treatment and prevent suicide.
Take action if you think someone at work is suicidal
If you’re concerned that a coworker might be thinking about suicide, here are some steps you can take:
- Find a private moment to talk. Don’t bring it up in a group or in the middle of a stressful workday.
- Be calm and clear. You can say, “I’ve noticed some changes and wanted to check in. You’re important to me, and I care about how you’re doing.”
- Let them talk. If they open up, focus on listening. Avoid judging, giving advice, or changing the subject.
- Encourage professional support. Offer to help them connect with your EAP, a crisis line, or a mental health professional. If they’re in immediate danger, stay with them and call 911 or a crisis service.
- Follow up. After the conversation, check in again. Showing consistent support can make a big difference.
Encourage a supportive workplace culture
While one conversation can matter, creating a work culture where people feel safe to speak up is even more important. Suicide prevention isn’t just about supporting people once they’re already having suicidal thoughts. It’s about creating an environment where people feel like they can get support before they go into a crisis.
Here are some ways that organizations and leaders can help:
- Remind employees regularly about the mental health benefits they have access to, including their EAP
- Train managers on how to spot warning signs and respond
- Encourage regular check-ins and make time for team well-being
- Create supportive policies that allow time off for mental health needs or recovery
- Support DEI efforts that help all people feel safety and belonging
When mental health is treated as a normal part of workplace wellness, people are more likely to reach out before a crisis.
Be aware of available supports
If you or someone you know is in crisis, confidential help is always available:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 to talk with a trained crisis counselor
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for 24/7 support
- MINES & Associates EAP: If your workplace offers MINES, you have access to free and confidential counseling — available 24/7
- Your HR team can also help you understand what support is available through your benefits
Suicide prevention isn’t just about knowing the statistics. It’s about genuinely showing up, being honest, and caring enough to ask someone how they’re really doing. At work, where so many people spend most of their time, these conversations matter.
MINES is here with you to help make workplaces safer, more supportive, and more connected — not just on World Suicide Prevention Day, but every day.
To your wellbeing,
– The MINES Team
