The number of deaths by suicide in the UK is a deeply distressing issue, with far-reaching implications for families, friends, and communities. In 2023, there were 6,404 suspected suicides recorded among individuals aged 10 and over.
Each of these numbers represents a life lost to despair, leaving behind a network of loved ones grappling with the profound impact of such a loss. The emotional aftermath of suicide can be complex and overwhelming, as survivors often deal with feelings of shock, confusion, anger, and guilt. Understanding these statistics is essential for fostering a compassionate workplace environment where employees can seek support during such tragic times.
How to Offer Support in the Workplace
Supporting a colleague who has lost a loved one to suicide requires a comprehensive and empathetic approach.
Create a Safe Environment: It’s crucial to cultivate an atmosphere where employees feel safe discussing their feelings and experiences without fear of judgment. This can be achieved by promoting open dialogues about mental health within the workplace.
Flexible Working Arrangements: Managers and HR should prioritize flexible working arrangements, such as extended bereavement leave or modified hours. Grieving employees may need time off to attend memorial services, manage legal affairs, or simply process their grief. Providing these options can help alleviate some of the pressures they may face while balancing their responsibilities.
Access to Counselling Services: Providing access to counselling services or employee assistance programs (EAPs) is vital. These resources can offer professional support tailored to the unique challenges of grief after suicide. It’s beneficial to promote these services regularly, ensuring employees know they are available when needed.
Fostering Empathy Among Team Members: Creating a culture of empathy within teams is essential. Encourage colleagues to check in on the bereaved employee, whether through informal conversations or organized support initiatives. Simple acts, like sending a message to express sympathy or inviting them for a coffee, can show that their well-being is valued. However, it’s important to respect their need for space if they are not ready to engage.
Training for Managers: Providing training for managers on how to handle grief in the workplace can empower them to support their team effectively. This training can cover topics such as understanding grief stages, recognizing signs of distress, and knowing how to initiate supportive conversations.
Addressing the Taboo of Suicide
Suicide remains a taboo subject, often shrouded in stigma and silence. This reluctance to discuss suicide can perpetuate misunderstandings and hinder efforts to provide effective support. Many individuals fear that speaking openly about their grief will lead to judgment or discomfort among their peers, which can exacerbate feelings of isolation. To break this taboo, workplaces should actively promote mental health awareness and encourage open discussions about the challenges associated with suicide. Initiatives like mental health days, awareness campaigns, and workshops can help normalize these conversations and create a supportive culture.
Understanding the Ripple Effect of Suicide
The ripple effect of suicide reaches far beyond the individual who has died, affecting families, friends, and entire communities. Loved ones left behind often face intense grief, guilt, and confusion, struggling to make sense of the loss. This ripple effect can increase the risk of suicide among those closely affected, particularly if they feel isolated or unsupported. To address this, workplaces must acknowledge the far-reaching consequences of suicide and promote proactive measures in mental health support. Initiatives such as support groups, peer mentoring, and community outreach can foster resilience among employees and encourage healing.
Practical Ways to Support Colleagues
Supporting someone after a suicide loss requires sensitivity and practical assistance. Here are several ways to help:
Acknowledge Their Pain: Sincerely recognise their loss and validate their feelings. A simple statement like “I can’t imagine what you’re going through, but I’m here for you” can be incredibly comforting.
Offer a Listening Ear: Sometimes, the best support is simply being there to listen. Allow them to express their emotions without judgment or interruption, offering a safe space for them to share memories or vent their frustrations.
Respect Their Grieving Process: Understand that grief doesn’t follow a set timeline and that each individual processes loss differently. Be patient and let them guide the conversation about their needs and feelings.
Encourage Professional Support: Gently encourage them to seek professional help, such as counselling or support groups. These resources can provide coping strategies and a safe environment to discuss their grief.
Follow Up: Continue to check in on them after the initial loss. Grief doesn’t disappear after a few weeks, and consistent support can help them feel less isolated, especially during significant anniversaries or holidays.
Supporting a friend or colleague who has lost a loved one to suicide requires empathy, patience, and understanding. By acknowledging their loss, offering practical help, and being a consistent source of support, you can significantly impact their healing process. Remember that your presence and compassion can provide a beacon of hope during one of the most challenging times of their lives.
Resources for Additional Support
Please see the below organisations for more help on supporting someone through the death of a loved one:
- Winston’s Wish
- Papyrus UK
- Charlie Waller
- Mind
- Support After Suicide
- Cruse
- Samaritans
Our thoughts are with anyone who has lost a family member, friend, or colleague to suicide.
Data and statistics taken from: UK Government Statistical Report
Jacqueline Gunn
Jacqueline Gunn, Managing Director at Workplace Bereavement Advocacy, offers a one-day CPD course designed to train individuals within workplaces to become bereavement advocates. This course is supported by a comprehensive package for both advocates and the bereaved, including access to counselling services. Jacqueline founded Workplace Bereavement Advocacy in March 2023, serving the UK. She is also the founder and chair of Talking About Loss, a bereavement charity established in 2019, which provides grief support and fosters friendship for individuals and groups within communities.
