Understanding Suicide Prevention Programs in the Workplace
Suicide is a serious public health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15-44, and for every suicide, there are an estimated 30 suicide attempts. The impact of suicide extends beyond the individual who takes their own life, affecting family members, friends, and colleagues.
As an employer in Australia, it is important to understand suicide prevention and take steps to support employees who may be struggling. In this guide, we will discuss what suicide prevention is, why it matters in Australia, and what employers can do to support their employees.
What Is Suicide Prevention?
Suicide prevention in the workplace involves creating a supportive and compassionate environment where employees' mental health and wellbeing are prioritised. It encompasses various strategies and initiatives aimed at identifying and assisting individuals who may be at risk of suicide. These efforts often include mental health awareness programs such as Mental Health First Aid, training for managers and colleagues to recognise signs of distress, and accessible resources for seeking help and support.
Workplace suicide prevention also involves destigmatising mental health discussions, providing confidential channels for seeking assistance, and fostering a culture of empathy and understanding. By addressing mental health openly and proactively, workplaces can play a crucial role in preventing suicide, supporting employees in times of crisis, and promoting overall wellbeing among their staff.
Thoughts of suicide are common, we just don’t talk about it. We want to foster workplaces that create spaces where people feel comfortable to talk about how they’re feeling and if they’re experiencing a decline in their mental health. We also want to support workplaces to better support their staff and colleagues.
Why Does Suicide Prevention Matter in Australia?
Suicide prevention matters in Australia because it is a significant public health issue that affects many individuals and communities. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there were 3,318 deaths by suicide in Australia in 2019, with a suicide rate of 12.6 per 100,000 people. Suicide is also a leading cause of years of potential life lost, with an estimated 109,000 years of potential life lost due to suicide in 2019. Suicide prevention is a critical issue in Australia, and employers have an important role to play in supporting their employees' mental health and well-being.
Suicide prevention is of utmost importance in Australia due to several significant factors:
High Suicide Rates: Australia has experienced relatively high suicide rates in recent years. Each suicide is a tragic loss that impacts families, friends, and communities deeply. Preventing suicides is essential to reducing this toll on families, communities and the broader society.
Mental Health Concerns: Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, are prevalent in Australia. Suicide can be a tragic consequence of untreated or undiagnosed mental health conditions, or people not receiving appropriate help. Suicide prevention efforts help individuals access the support they need.
Rural and Remote Challenges: Australia's vast geography poses unique challenges, particularly for people living in rural and remote areas. People who live in rural, regional or remote communities may have limited access to mental health services, making prevention efforts crucial to reaching those in need. Look out for your mates, let’s talk about how we’re feeling!
Indigenous Communities: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia face higher rates of suicide, often linked to historical and socio-economic factors. Suicide prevention initiatives aim to address these disparities and provide culturally sensitive support.
Youth Mental Health: Young Australians, in particular, are susceptible to mental health challenges. Effective suicide prevention measures can help address the vulnerabilities that young people may face during their formative years.
Economic and Social Impact: Suicide has a profound economic and social impact on the country. It affects workplaces, communities, and healthcare systems. Reducing suicide rates can alleviate some of these burdens.
Preventable Tragedy: Most importantly, suicide is preventable. By raising awareness, reducing stigma, improving access to mental health services, and implementing evidence-based prevention programs, Australia can save lives and help people find hope and healing
How Employers Can Support Suicide Prevention in Australia:
Educate employees about mental health and suicide prevention.
Employers in Australia can support suicide prevention by educating their employees about mental health and suicide prevention. This can involve providing training sessions or workshops on topics such as recognizing the signs of suicide risk, how to provide support to someone who may be struggling, and where to find resources for help. Employers can also provide resources such as brochures, posters, and other materials that can help employees understand mental health issues and how to seek help if needed.
2. Promote a culture of support and acceptance.
Creating a workplace culture that is supportive and accepting can go a long way in reducing the risk of suicide among employees. This can involve promoting open communication and encouraging employees to seek help if they are struggling. Employers can also provide opportunities for employees to connect with one another, such as team-building activities or social events. By fostering a sense of community and support, employers can help employees feel less isolated and more connected to one another.
3. Provide access to mental health resources.
Employers can also support suicide prevention in Australia by providing access to mental health resources. This can involve offering an employee assistance program (EAP) that provides confidential counselling services or partnering with local mental health providers to offer on-site counselling or referrals to resources in the community. Employers can also provide information about mental health resources, such as crisis hotlines, support groups, and online resources, that employees can access on their own.
4. Address workplace stressors and promote work-life balance.
Workplace stress can be a significant risk factor for suicide, especially if employees feel overwhelmed or unsupported. Employers in Australia can help to reduce workplace stress by addressing factors that contribute to stress, such as unrealistic workload expectations, poor communication, and a lack of work-life balance. Employers can also promote work-life balance by offering flexible work schedules, telecommuting options, and other benefits that support employee well-being.
5. Offer paid time off for mental health.
One of the most significant barriers to seeking help for mental health issues is a lack of time. Employers in Australia can support
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing crisis visit your nearest hospital emergency or use any of the crisis helplines below.
If life is in immediate danger, please call 000.
Call 13 11 14 - Text (SMS) 0477 13 11 14
Online chat- Available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Call 1300 659 467
Online counselling or video cha
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call 1300 78 99 78
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call 13YARN (13 92 76)
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
13YARN [Thirteen YARN] is a national crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping.
They offer a confidential one-on-one yarning opportunity with a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.
Call 1800 184 527
Available 3pm to midnight (AEST), 7 days a week.
QLife provides Australia-wide anonymous, LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.
Call 1300 22 4636 available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Online chat available 11am to midnight (AEST), 7 days a week.