Work-Related Suicides Increase

I did a post on May 27, 2010, about increasing suicides in the workplace. The workplace in question was located in China. The conditions under which employees worked resembled a prison more than a workplace. Those conditions were blamed for the suicide spike. Now we’re told that returning American soldiers to Fort Hood in Texas are committing suicide at an alarming rate. (Here and here.) The conditions under which these soldiers have worked in Iraq and Afghanistan during the past several years make the Chinese situation pale by comparison.

Four soldiers have committed suicide this week. For the year, that makes 14 suicides at Fort Hood, and there are six other deaths which are believed to have been suicides, although the investigation concerning those deaths is ongoing. That’s more than were killed at Fort Hood by Major Nidal Hasan when he went on a shooting rampage last November. A top military officer has predicted that military suicides will significantly increase as large numbers of troops return home.

It’s estimated that the suicide rate in the general population has increased during the Great Recession and will continue to increase, as long as millions remain unemployed. ( Here and here.) Even people with jobs are stressed to the limit. They fear they could lose their jobs. They’re having to work more hours. They feel like they’re in a pressure cooker.

Employers need to watch for signs of stress overload. An employee may need counseling under an EAP, a little time off, an encouraging word instead of constant pressure to produce. Employers aren’t in the suicide prevention business. Neither is the military. But the military is taking the matter seriously. They are, for now, in the suicide prevention business. Maybe all employers should be. Get some advice from psychologists and other professionals about signs to look for and what you should do when you see them.