Suicide: "You can't bring that word in here..."

Amnesty International has spoken out about the resistance encountered when running suicide prevention workshops in companies around the country. With over 40 hours spent at work each week – employers are in prime position to spot signs of depression and anxiety in their staff but still mental health taboos prevent appropriate action.

Worrying statistics were released recently indicating a rise in suicide in Ireland. Last year there was an increase of 100 cases from the previous year with some suicide prevention help lines reporting numbers of callers had doubled in 12 months.

There has been huge upheaval in recent times – job changes, redundancies, wage cuts, increased pressures and strained relationships are commonplace yet mental health issues associated with such levels of change; depression and suicide still seem to be unmentionable in the workplace.

A recent study by DCU showed that half of all people surveyed did not want anyone at all to know that they had a mental health problem. 43% surveyed also felt that they had been treated unfairly in retaining their job once their problems came to light.

 The charity Aware recommends reaching out and availing of the supports and help that is offered.   Attempting to cope with depression or anxiety can be tough without trying to keep colleagues and employers in the dark. It’s difficult, painful and should be completely unnecessary.

Ireland attitude towards mental illness has historically been appalling.  We once held the world record for institutionalising its citizens with a huge proportion of the population in psychiatric institutions.  Times and treatments have moved on but attitudes are very slow to change on the subject of mental health.

Educating staff and front line managers is essential in creating and maintaining a healthy work environment.  Learning to spot early warning signs could be the difference between life and death.  Watch for extreme behavioural changes. – An extravert becoming increasingly quiet and vice versa, a colleague who never drank, drinking heavily etc. 

Employee Assistance Programmes are not expensive yet many companies still go without, despite the possible ramifications. Very basic employee assistance should incorporate phone based crisis support with professionals trained to give advice and deal with issues, concerns and worries. 

Until a dialogue is opened up about mental health in the workplace the taboo will remain. Education and frank discussion is essential to bring about necessary change.

If you are suffering from depression or anxiety speak to your GP and a trusted friend/colleague.  Don’t suffer in silence. For more information visit Aware at www.aware.ie.

For further advice on setting up an effective EAP in your workplace contact info@myworklifebalance.ie