Suicide is more widespread than you might think. It’s the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. While many people who consider or plan for suicide may not really want to die, they may simply see it as the only solution to end their pain and suffering.
This workshop equips participants with the tools to develop a preliminary understanding of the phenomenon of suicide including risk factors, high risk groups and warning signs. The session will also review protective factors and how to intervene to ensure that someone in distress gets the right help at the right time.
*Please note, the information presented in this seminar is not meant to replace diagnosis and treatment by a qualified health professional.*
This workshop begins with defining and discussing suicide, and suicide-related behaviours and communications, followed by a look at the prevalence of suicide in Canada and worldwide.
Participants will learn about risk factors, including feelings of hopelessness, being bullied, substance abuse, and family history of suicide, leading to identification of high risk groups. The group will examine warning signs and learn that these are different than risk factors. The workshop will explore the impact and stigma of suicide, and the role of stress.
Participants will look at protective factors that can reduce risk, including timely access to mental health care, good problem solving skills, high self-esteem, and a strong support system of family and/or community. The group will discuss risk factors and warning signs at work and apply those during an exercise on strategic suicide prevention in the work environment. A look at why leaders can fail to take action will lead to helpful tips and tools that leaders can use to help troubled employees. The workshop concludes with a role play of a discussion with a troubled employee to demonstrate what participants have learned about what they can do to help.
