Take 40 Seconds of Action for World Mental Health Day

Today, October 10, 2019, is World Mental Health Day. Since 1992, the World Health Organization (WHO) has promoted it every October 10 and this year’s theme is suicide prevention, as well as continuing the WHO’s mission of removing the social stigma attached to mental health issues. The day is also meant to be a time for employers to audit their resources and processes to assist their employees with maintaining good mental health.

Research has shown that employers play a vital role in an employee’s state of mind for both the good and the bad. There is virtually no one that can affect an employee’s stress levels, disengagement and burnout more than his or her employer—or specifically, their boss—and it pays off significantly when management doesn’t pay it lip service.

The WHO says that for every $1 an American business spends on employee mental health, the company will receive $4 or more back in higher productivity, dramatically less absenteeism and sick days, and improved company culture. Additionally, a sound mental health program is a terrific recruiting tool for prospective job candidates.

Why 40 seconds of action?   

It’s estimated that, globally, someone commits suicide every 40 seconds. So, in the time it takes you to read this blog, five or six people will have successfully committed suicide while scores of others will have attempted it. And, potentially millions will have given it serious thought.

The idea behind “40 Seconds of Action” began this past September 10^th, which was World Suicide Prevention Day. On this year’s World Mental Health Day, in addition to events and activities that took place on September 10, the WHO encourages companies and their employees to take “40 seconds of action” to help:

• improve awareness of the significance of suicide as a global public health problem 
• improve knowledge of what can be done to prevent suicide 
• reduce the stigma associated with suicide
• and let people who are struggling know that they are not alone

Put simply, this is an opportunity to show you care. Everyone can take part in whichever way makes the most sense.

For example, your activity may be private, such as initiating a conversation with a friend or co-worker you are worried about. Or, it might be public like simply sharing a message of hope via a video on social media for anyone who is struggling. You can also contact your Congressional, state or local representatives about what actions you would like to see them take about the issue.

“But, what can I do?”

Hey, I get it … you’re not a licensed clinician or counselor and you might not be comfortable discussing mental health issues with someone else. And, you’re definitely uncomfortable discussing suicide. But that doesn’t mean you can’t become more aware of the problem because, to be honest, it’s an epidemic.

Furthermore, when it comes to suicide, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 10^th leading cause of death in the U.S. with an average of 129 deaths every day. In 2017, there were an estimated 1,400,000 suicide attempts and 47,173 confirmed suicide deaths. And, if you’re like me, you’re probably confident that number is low. 

Those numbers are scary, but what’s scarier for you and your co-workers is the dramatic rise in suicides among our children. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among American children aged 10-19 and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention data shows the rate among girls has skyrocketed in the last two years to draw almost even with that of boys. It was just a handful of years ago that boys committed suicide at a far greater rate than girls. So obviously, something is happening.

So, whether it’s your overworked co-worker, your boss, your lifelong friend, roommate, your kid, niece, nephew, or another family member, suicide affects us all. Here is advice from the WHO about what any of us can do to help prevent a tragedy:

Signs to look out for:

• Expression of thoughts or feelings about wanting to end their life, or talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live 
• Expression of feelings of isolation, loneliness, hopelessness or loss of self-esteem, or dwelling on problems 
• Withdrawal from colleagues, decrease in work performance or difficulty completing tasks    
• Changes in behavior, such as restlessness, irritability, impulsivity, recklessness or aggression
• Speaking about arranging end-of-life personal affairs such as making a will, or concrete plans for suicide
• Abuse of alcohol or other substances 
• Depressed mood, or mentioning of previous suicidal behavior
• bullying or harassment

Particular attention should be paid to people who are losing their job.

What you can do if you are worried about a colleague:

• Express empathy and concern and encourage them to talk, and most importantly, listen without judgment.  
• Ask if there is anyone they would like to call or have called  
• Encourage them to reach out to health or counseling services inside the organization, if available, or otherwise outside the organization, and offer to call or go there together 
• If your colleague has attempted to or indicates that they are about to intentionally harm themselves, remove access to means and do not leave them alone. Seek immediate support from staff health services, if available, or health services outside of the organization.

What you can do as an employer or a manager:     

• Provide information sessions for your staff on mental health and suicide prevention. Ensure all staff knows what resources are available for support, both within the organization and in the local community.   
• Foster a work environment in which colleagues feel comfortable talking about problems that have an impact on their ability to do their job effectively and supporting each other during difficult times.  
• Become familiar with relevant legislation  
• Identify and reduce work-related stressors that can negatively impact mental health. 
• Design and implement a plan for how to sensitively manage and communicate the suicide or suicide attempt of an employee in a way that minimizes further distress. Measures should include the availability of trained health workers and support services for staff.

Take it from someone who knows

As far as the stigma goes, it will take time for many people to overcome it. The fact that I’m very open about my 30-year battle with depression and my past battle with suicidal thoughts has led to many conversations that I’m thrilled to have had. I’ve listened to friends, family, co-workers, and strangers in a depression group discuss their issues and it's amazing that 95 percent of the time, I just listen. If you suffer from mental health issues, you know where many of these feelings come from and can understand. But, even if you don't have these issues, you have the ability to listen, not pass judgment, and offer to help even if it's just passing on a hotline number. Trust me, it means the world to someone struggling. So this has been your 40 seconds for today. What will you do tomorrow? 

If you are in crisis, call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to anyone. All calls are confidential. http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org