Author: Ben Biddick

Recognizing signs that a coworker may be having suicidal thoughts is crucial for offering support and potentially saving a life. While it’s essential to remember that you are not a mental health professional, and any concerns should be taken seriously and reported to a supervisor, HR, or a mental health expert, here are some common signs that a coworker may be experiencing suicidal thoughts:

1. Isolation and Withdrawal: They may become increasingly isolated, avoiding social interactions with colleagues and friends, and retreating from workplace activities.
2. Mood Changes: Noticeable shifts in their mood, such as becoming consistently sad, hopeless, or anxious, can be an indication. They might also show signs of extreme anger or irritability.
3. Expressing Hopelessness: They may talk openly about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live. Comments like “I can’t go on” or “Life is meaningless” should be taken seriously.
4. Giving Away Possessions: If they start giving away their belongings or talking about getting rid of their assets, it can be a concerning sign.
5. Sudden Improvement: Paradoxically, some individuals may display a sudden improvement in mood and demeanor after having made the decision to attempt suicide. This is often seen as a sign that they have made peace with their decision.
6. Change in Work Performance: A decline in work performance, increased absenteeism, or a significant drop in productivity can be indicative of emotional distress.
7. Neglecting Personal Appearance: Neglecting personal hygiene or a dramatic change in appearance can be an outward sign of emotional turmoil.
8. Increased Alcohol or Drug Use: Escalating substance abuse, whether it’s alcohol or drugs, can be an attempt to cope with emotional pain.
9. Making Farewell Statements: They may make statements or write letters that sound like goodbye notes, indicating a desire to end their life.
10. Physical Symptoms: Persistent physical complaints like headaches, stomachaches, or other unexplained pain can be linked to emotional distress.
11. Talking About Suicide: They may openly talk about suicide, expressing thoughts about how they would do it or when they would do it.

If you observe any of these signs in a coworker, it’s essential to take their distress seriously and act responsibly:

1. Talk to Them: Express your concern in a non-judgmental and empathetic manner. Let them know you care and are there to listen.
2. Encourage Professional Help: Suggest that they seek help from a mental health professional or their Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
3. Involve Supervisors or HR: Share your concerns with your supervisor, HR department, or your organization’s designated mental health resource. They can provide guidance on how to proceed.
4. Connect Them with a Support System: Encourage them to reach out to friends and family for support. Offer to help them make these connections if they are willing.
5. Do Not Leave Them Alone: If you believe the person is an immediate risk to themselves, do not leave them alone. Call emergency services or a crisis hotline (see below).

Remember that your primary role is to be supportive and encourage them to seek professional help. Do not attempt to handle the situation on your own, as suicidal thoughts require expert intervention. To access Crisis in Iowa and Grant Counties call 1-800-362-5717 24 hours a day.

People of all ages who need help for themselves or a loved one can access the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by:
Calling 988 (multiple languages),
sending a text message to 988 (English only), or using the chat feature at 988lifeline.org(link is external) (English only).
TTY users can either go through their preferred relay service or by calling 711 then 1-800-273-8255. Services are also available through chat and text.

• Trevor Project LGBTQ+ crisis intervention
  • call 1-866-488-7386
  • or text 678-678
• HOPELINE Text service
  • text HOPELINE to 741741
• Veterans Crisis Line
  • Call 988 (press 1) or Text 838255
• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in Wisconsin
  • Call or Text 988