Coworkers and supervisors are often the first to see when something is off. You do not have to be a mental health professional to make a difference. You only need to notice, ask, and help connect the person to support.
Responding to Coworkers
If you find yourself thinking “They’re not acting like themselves” for more than a day or two, pay attention.
Think about what has changed:
- Mood (more withdrawn, angry, or down).
- Habits (more drinking, more call‑offs, late arrivals).
- Work (more mistakes, not caring about safety, conflicts with others).
- Life events (recent separation, loss, discipline, investigation, critical incident).
Start a simple, private conversation. Find a place with some privacy: after shift, or on the phone.
You might say:
- I’ve noticed you seem really stressed and not yourself lately. How are you really doing?”
- “You’ve had a lot going on. I’m concerned about you.”
- “I care about you and I’m not here to judge. I just want to make sure you’re okay.”
Just hearing them out without interrupting or minimizing helps.
You can ask directly about suicide if you’re worried. If what you hear or see makes you think they might be at risk, it is okay to ask:
- “Sometimes when people feel this overwhelmed, they think about killing themselves. Have you been having thoughts like that?”
- “Have things gotten so bad that you’ve thought about not wanting to be here, or about ending your life?”
Remember: research shows that asking this question does not put the idea in their head. If they say yes:
- Stay calm.
- Thank them for being honest.
You can say something like:
- “I’m really glad you told me. I don’t want you to go through this alone. Let’s figure out who we can loop in to help keep you safe.”
- “I won’t spread this around, but I also care about you too much to keep this just between us if you’re in danger. Let’s talk about who we can bring in to help.”
Help them connect to support.
- Walking with them to talk to a supervisor, wellness champion, or chaplain they trust.
- Encouraging them to contact Optum EAP or 988 and offering to sit with them while they call.
Responding as a Supervisor
In corrections, supervisors are often the bridge between stressed staff and the supports that really help. This section explains how to watch for patterns, making it safe to talk, knowing your resources and supports, and encouraging intentional follow-ups.
Watch for patterns, not just rule violations.
When you see:
- Sudden changes in attendance, performance, or behavior.
- Strong reactions around discipline, internal investigations, or critical incidents.
- Staff who have recently lost a coworker, family member, or person in custody to suicide.
Treat these as risk flags, not management issues.
Make it safe to talk. You can:
Check in privately:
- “I’ve noticed some changes and I’m concerned. How are you holding up?”
- Make it clear that you are asking as a person and a leader, not just as “the boss.”
- “This work hits all of us in different ways. Using EAP or talking to someone is part of staying fit for duty, not a mark against you.”
Know your resources. Supervisors should know:
- How to connect staff to EAP, or 988.
- Know who your site’s Wellness Champion is.
- Agency procedures for immediate risk.
- Options for temporary changes in assignment or schedule when someone is in obvious distress.
Intentional follow-up matters. If someone has:
- Been involved in a critical incident.
- Been disciplined or is under investigation.
- Experienced a known major loss (relationship, death, legal issue).
- Returned to work after a suicide attempt or leave.
Plan at least one intentional check‑in after the initial event, and again later. Research shows that many people struggle more in the weeks and months after the crisis, not just in the first few days.
Noticing changes, asking honest questions, listening without judgment, and helping connect people to support are the core of suicide prevention.