Wednesday 10th September is World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) and this year’s theme is Changing the Narrative on Suicide .

While we have seen stigma around poor mental health start to be successfully challenged over the last decade in many workplaces,  there is still a huge stigma around suicide. This remains a major barrier to seeking what could be lifesaving help. This awareness day provides a platform for organisations to challenge stigma and have a conversation about a topic, which they may otherwise feel difficult to broach.

Suicide, or thoughts of suicide, are sadly, not uncommon. In 2021, 727,000 suicide deaths worldwide were because of suicide. It is estimated that 1 in 15 people have tried to end their life, and 1 in 5 people will struggle with suicide ideation in their lifetime.

What is the opportunity for changing the narrative at work?

Suicide – whether it involves a colleague, a colleague’s family member or a client – is devastating to the workplace community. The human cost is, of course, immeasurable and can endure. I recently spoke to a law firm Partner, and they said that the suicide of a colleague still impacted the team over ten years on. We should also acknowledge the economic impact: the average cost for each loss through suicide in the United States is estimated at $1.28 million, while in England it is estimated to be £1.46 million, with a significant portion of that loss borne directly by employers.

Employers are uniquely positioned to change the narrative around suicide – when a professional environment openly addresses sensitive issues like suicide, it signals safety and legitimacy, helping to normalise conversations that might feel taboo.

How employers can mark world suicide prevention day

The day is an opportunity for workplaces to challenge stigma and share existing resources and start important conversations. To help you get started, we’ve included some advice and examples of simple actions that other organisations have taken.

1. Starting a conversation about suicide -  Talking about suicide will not increase the risk of someone acting on suicidal thoughts. Instead, speaking openly about suicide – using clear, non-stigmatising language – can be lifesaving. If you would like guidance for how to use safe, destigmatising language for talking about suicide, read advice from the International Association for the Prevention of Suicide .
2. Promote support – Use the day to encourage help seeking behaviour and remind employees of internal resources such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), counsellors, or private medical insurance. Share external resources too, including crisis support, such as Samaritans, CALM, or local crisis helplines – see here for details of mental health support in different countries across the world
3. Share stories and lived experiences of how suicide can be interrupted – It may be difficult for an employee to share a story that relates to suicide. An alternative could be to use blogs, videos, and talks from mental health organisations such as CALM, the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention , the Black Dog Institute or Roses in the Ocean .  You could invite speaker to a virtual or in-person event. Contact us at training@mindforwardalliance.com if you would like recommendations for speakers.
4. Build confidence through training – Suicide awareness training helps normalise conversations, equips employees to recognise signs of distress, and gives them the confidence to start a conversation and signpost someone to support. Since colleagues often spend significant time together, the workplace can be where early signs are first noticed – and where timely support can be offered.

• The Zero Suicide Alliance offers free training  (less than 30 mins), which we know that many organisations have shared with their Mental Health Networks and Champions
• To deepen understanding and skills, MindForward Alliance provides Suicide Awareness in the Workplace courses – delivered in person, virtually or as hybrid sessions -  tailored for employees, managers and/or HR professionals. Read more here or contact us at training@mindforwardalliance.com .

Beyond Suicide Prevention Day

Effective suicide prevention in the workplace will go beyond the awareness day and responding to people in immediate crisis. Businesses have an opportunity to create workplaces where people feel safe to speak up, supported by positive working conditions, and access to the support they need to thrive in their jobs. The MindForward Alliance Thriving at Work Framework provides practical guidance to build a sustainable organisation that prioritises and protects mental wellbeing every day.

Useful resources

• The International Alliance for Suicide Prevention’s information about WSPD
• Wikimedia provides a wider list of global mental health resources broken down by countries
• The Samaritans . A UK based charity that will support people (in English) from anywhere in the world

Mental health support

See here for a list of organisations, across different countries, which offer support: Mental Health_Support_Information.pdf