July 2nd, 2009 [ Posted by Stav ]
In my own work experience as a psychologist and manager of the Rapid Response Centre, I have noticed an increase in calls from callers considering suicide. It seems that as people are impacted by the financial global crisis their life pressures build, impacting on their work role and often relationships and family life. When these stress levels increase they may lead to the loss of a close relationship and / or job and everything in life seems to spiral. Some individuals find it difficult to cope and don’t know where to turn. Suicide becomes the only way out even though the individuals rarely want to stop living. Although there is no direct evidence to prove that the global crisis contributes to suicide we are seeing the increased numbers in suicidal callers and managers who are calling to seek support for employees who have expressed a desire to end their life. It can be difficult as a manager, coworker or even a family member to know what to do when someone we care for says they want to end their life so it is important to know how to reach out and help someone in need. Take any threats of suicide seriously and know there are lots of different ways to help someone. The following are some ways:
• Speak to them
• Listen to them, acknowledge their difficulties
• Ask if they are thinking of suicide
• Check out their safety
• Decide what to do and take action
• Encourage the person to develop an action plan to overcome the immediate threat
• Urge the person to seek professional help with their doctor or a counsellor
• Ask for a promise and follow-up to see how they are doing
• If the person has a clear plan to suicide and access to the resources, do your best to make sure they are not left alone
• Don’t promise to keep the person’s feelings secret – you may have to share these to help them
• Discourage suicide as a solution
CEO’s and managers can go further in supporting employees manage life’s challenges by creating resilient workplaces where:
• There is demonstrated high respect for individuals
• Employees feel valued members of the company
• Training programs are conducted to meet complex needs of employees
• Managers are trained to identify and support employees experiencing difficulties
• The safety of the employees is protected
• Adequate resources are provided to meet the needs of employees
Make sure you speak to someone you trust and don’t go through the experience alone. It can be challenging when we hear the words: “I want to end my life”.
If you are concerned about someone who may be suicidal or you require any support please contact our experienced team of psychologists who can provide immediate assistance on 1800 337 068. If the incident requires an emergency response please call 000.
June 10th, 2009 [ Posted by Monika ]
On June 1, 2009 news.com.au published an article about ‘Australian workers struggling with depression’ quoting Dr Lindsay McMillan, CEO - Converge International. This article has been posted below for reference.
JOB insecurity, increased workloads and uncertainty about the future is fuelling a potentially deadly wave of depression among workers, according to the head of a major employee support service.
Worried workers are flocking to employee counselling as they struggle to cope with depression and anxiety, says the head of assistance group Converge International, Dr Lindsay McMillan.
He fears a “suicide epidemic”.
To read more, click here.
June 10th, 2009 [ Posted by Monika ]
On October 6, 2009 news.com.au published an article relating to ‘the cost of stress to employers’ quoting Dr Lindsay McMillan, CEO - Converge International. This article has been posted below for reference.
Stress at work not only contributes to the nation’s mental health statistics but is costing employers up to $10.11 billion in absenteeism and presenteeism, Medibank Private research shows.
Workplace support group Converge International chief executive officer Dr Lindsay McMillan explained presenteeism as when a person is at work but “is elsewhere in their head or their heart”.
To read more, click here.
June 10th, 2009 [ Posted by Monika ]
On October 21, 2009 news.com.au published an article regarding ‘the impact of the financial crisis on business’ quoting Dr Lindsay McMillan, CEO - Converge International. This article has been posted below for reference.
In times of crisis, employers need to know what to do to protect their staff and business if they’re to remain in the game.
Human resources consultancy Converge International chief executive Dr Lindsay McMillan said employers needed to respond swiftly to a crisis. “Whether it is a critical incident within the company or a flood, storm or shooting that’s affecting their staff, employers can no longer turn a blind eye,” he said.
To read more, click here.
June 4th, 2009 [ Posted by Dr Lindsay ]
I found this and thought it is an opportunity to reflect on how significant friends are, particularly as an outcome of the the Global Financial Crisis. It is worth a read…
In the quest for better health, may people turn to doctors, self-help books or herbal supplements. But they overlook a powerful weapon that could hep them fight illness and depression, speed recover, slow aging and prolong life: their friends.
Researchers are only now starting to pay attention to the importance of friendship and social networks in overall health. A 10 year Australian study found that older people with a large circle of freinds were 22 percent less likely to die during the study period than those with fewer friends. A large 2007 study showed an increase of nearly 60 percent in the risk for obesity among people whose friends gained weight. And last year, Harvard researchers reported that strong social ties could promote brain health as we age…
To read full article, click here http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/21/health/21well.html?_r=1
