Webinar Highlights Importance of Suicide Prevention and Mental Health in the Workplace

Ashley Bryant, a licensed professional counselor at the Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability, emphasizes the role of individuals in advocating for suicide prevention. Bryant co-presented a recent webinar titled "From Awareness to Action: Suicide Prevention in the Workplace" for the Employer Assistance Resource Network on Disability (EARN), which is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy.

She notes that personal struggles at home often carry over into the workplace. Conversations about mental health are crucial. "You can refer someone to a suicide prevention hotline and be willing to sit with them as they go through the process. That follow-through is important," Bryant states.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 263 workplace deaths due to suicide in 2024, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies suicide as the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., with over 48,000 fatalities annually. Bryant highlights the importance of recognizing mental health conditions as disabilities deserving of accommodations. "When someone with a mental health condition is not supported, that lack of support can exacerbate the condition," she explains.

John Gaal, worker wellness director at the Missouri Works Initiative, attended the webinar and remarked on its insights regarding inclusion from a disability perspective, emphasizing the need to expand awareness beyond diversity.

The webinar's content was based on research conducted by Sarah von Schrader, director of research and program evaluation at the Yang-Tan Institute, involving interviews with employers and reviews of workplace mental health initiatives. Resources stemming from this research are available on the EARN website, including enhancements to the Workplace Mental Health Toolkit.

Amanda Ward, EARN project manager, explained the process behind these initiatives, stating that they begin with broad topics like mental health and evolve into practical tools for a wider audience.

Bryant advises that anyone can take action in suicide prevention by observing co-workers and focusing on behavioral changes. She suggests approaching a colleague directly if you notice they are acting differently or discussing your concerns with a supervisor if necessary.

For supervisors, Bryant provided several strategies to address mental health challenges in the workplace. These include normalizing help-seeking behavior through visible supports like Employee Assistance Programs, encouraging transparency about mental health struggles among leadership, and being proactive in providing referral information.

Megan Delp, director of workplace mental health at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), co-presented the webinar with Bryant. Delp underscored NAMI's role in providing fundamental mental health awareness and strategies alongside workplace-specific guidance.

The Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability aims to enhance opportunities for people with disabilities through research and education. The institute manages various grant-funded projects and receives state funding to support disability-related initiatives.