If you take a look around your workplace, chances are someone near you is struggling with their mental health. One in four people has dealt with mental illness. Today Prevent Suicide Fox Cities hosted an event focusing on mental health in a place we all spend a lot of our time, the work place.
Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas was the keynote speaker for the event: "Working Minds: Preventing Suicide in the Workplace."Dr. Spencer-Thomas lost a brother to suicide about 11 years ago and now she is making sure to spread as much knowledge on suicide as possible.
Named after her brother, the Carson J. Spencer Foundation is an internationally known group working toward stopping the stigma associated with talking about mental illness and focusing on the highest group at risk, middle-aged men.
Men are at a high risk for suicide and also are not likely to ask for help.
Dr. Spencer-Thomas uses humor to help reach men through the "Man Therapy" program, an attempt to reach men at risk or people close to them.
Today she spoke on the workplace and encouraged those who manage people to attend.
This upcoming weekend, Prevent Suicide Fox Cities is hosting a women's mental fitness symposium also at Fox Valley Tech. You can find out how to attend here.
If you're a person looking to speak with someone about suicide you can call 800-273-TALK (8255) for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, or visit Suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
