Mental Health Resource Guide – Section 2

If a coworker is struggling with their mental health, follow these steps to help keep them safe, protect their privacy and provide support.Watch this video for expert insights and practical tips to put these steps into action.

1. Keep them safe: Walk with your coworker to a safe space to talk.
2. Ask and listen: “I’m worried about you, and I’m glad we can talk. Are you thinking about hurting yourself or suicide?
3. Connect to 988: “Can we call or text 988 together for support? Or would you like to call or text 988 while I wait here?” – Stay nearby or within view, while offering privacy
   • Call or text 988 for 24/7 support
   • Chat online
4. Follow up: “Who else can I call to be there for you today?” – Ask them who you can contact on their behalf for support (a family member, friend or emergency contact)

Note: If an employee is having a medical emergency/actively planning suicide and they refuse to contact 988, call 911. Stay with the employee until help arrives.

For health system leaders

1. If you are a health system leader, use the following steps to support employees who may be exhibiting warning signs of suicide.
2. Following the event, notify your department’s Employee Relations Consultant as soon as possible by contacting the HR Support Center at 913-945-6500 or AskHR@kumc.edu.
3. Depending on the circumstances, tap into resources to help you process the event and tend to your own mental health, support other staff members or dispel rumors following the situation.
   • Use our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to connect staff with free and confidential professional counseling, education and other resources.
     • EAP for health system employees
     • EAP for physicians
   • If the employee in crisis will be taking a leave of absence, contact The Hartford at 866-315-0809 (Policy 675446), Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (CST).
   • If you have any questions, consult your Employee Relations or Leave Consultant by contacting the HR Support Center at 913-945-6500 or AskHR@kumc.edu.

Potential warning signs of suicide

• If you are concerned about someone’s mental health, ask questions such as:
  • You haven’t seemed yourself lately, are you ok? I’m here to listen.
  • How are you…really?
  • How long have you felt like this?
  • How are you coping with what has been going on in your life?
  • Can you think of anything I could do to help you?
  • Have you thought about getting help?
  • Do you ever think about suicide?
  • Are you thinking about hurting yourself?

2. Identify potential warning signs with the I GET HELP acronym:

• • • Isolation
    • Giving things away/saying goodbye
    • Excessive use of drugs/alcohol
    • Talking or thinking about suicide
    • Hopelessness
    • Emotional/physical pain
    • Lonely/feeling like a burden
    • Planning for suicide
  • Additional warning signs may include:
    • Eating more or less than usual, outside of illness
    • Sleeping too little or too much
    • Acting anxious, agitated or reckless
    • Disengaging from previously enjoyed activities
    • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge