The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the view of CSMFO or its partners or advertisers. While this content relates to articles the CSMFO News team are working on (within the emergency preparedness framework around workplace safety), it is more aligned with world and national awareness of suicide prevention and contributing factors such as depression and mental health.

National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

While at a routine Board of Supervisor meeting, I was again reminded through a colleague’s family of the devastating impacts suicide has on families and communities. Twice in the past several years, our workplace has been rocked by the un-measurable grief two colleagues had to endure as suicide touched their immediate families.

At this last meeting, I was overwhelmed with empathy as a family spoke of their recent loss of their husband/father to suicide. The daughter, now 20, described that moment that now marks her life when the news changed her world. As she so eloquently and powerfully put it, her life is now split into two parts, her life before as a normal daughter facing seemingly tough struggles, and her life after where her degree of grief and struggles grew exponentially.

Suicide is shrouded in stigma, shame and misunderstanding. Most of us feel we don’t have the skills or training to identify possible signs or might be uncomfortable bringing this topic up in our own circles or workplace. When someone is experiencing the profound hopelessness that leads to suicide and depression, it is difficult to ask for help. The prevention of suicide cannot be accomplished by one person, organization or institution alone; it requires a village.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, there is no single cause for suicide, although depression is cited as the most common condition associated with it. Warning signs the association advises to look out for include:

1. Talking: If someone talks about dying by suicide, feeling hopeless, having no reason to live or being a burden to others, these could be signs that they are having suicidal thoughts. It is a myth that people who talk about suicide won’t follow through on those feelings. It is important to take those statements very seriously.
2. Behaviors: Increased use of alcohol or drugs, withdrawing from activities, isolating from people, sleeping too much or too little or giving away prized possessions are some examples of behaviors people might display if they’re feeling suicidal.
3. Mood: People who are considering suicide often display moods such as depression, anxiety, shame, anger, agitation, or even relief.

This year, the World Health Organization is promoting a “40 seconds of action” to show us how we all can be active in our village to reduce suicide risk. In reality, we are already positioned to take part in preventative actions using our existing skills and networks. Here are some ideas that you might consider and share with those around you.

• Initiate a conversation with someone you are worried about or share a message of hope with someone who is struggling. A simple connection can quickly pry open a door and bring light into a dark room.
• Take 40 seconds to schedule a follow up time to talk or spend time with someone you are worried about.
• Use another 40 seconds to search online for local resources, local mental health professionals, and 24-hour phone numbers for suicide prevention. Most of this can be found within your County’s Health or Mental Health websites. When in doubt, you can seek immediate help by calling 9-1-1.
• If your local area has an established Suicide Prevention Plan, take 40 seconds to learn more about what’s in the plan, and what you might be able to do to support it.
• If you know someone who has lost a loved one to suicide, take 40 seconds to start a conversation, ask them how they are doing, and actively listen to them.
• If you work in media or have a social media or communications platform, highlight the 40-second statistic in interviews, articles, video, or blog posts.
• If you are an employer or manager, take 40 seconds to formulate a positive message of support to your employees about resources available to them in the workplace or local community in times of mental distress.
• If you hold political office, communicate publicly about action you are taking to promote mental health and prevent suicide, highlighting the 40-second statistic.

I want to thank Erik Riera, Santa Cruz County Director of Behavioral Health Services for guidance in the development of this message.