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Published on: Sep 11, 2021
3 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

What Should You Do If Someone Tells You They Are Thinking About Suicide?

What should you do if someone tells you they are thinking about suicide?

First, remember that suicide is almost always an impulsive decision, and it can be prevented if the person gets immediate treatment. Second, don't leave the person alone. Keep them talking, let them know you care about them and give them someone to call for help. Third, try not to make any promises to the person as they will most likely break those as well. Fourth, encourage them to seek outside professional help such as a hotline or psychiatric hospitalization-inpatient program which usually requires a referral from a physician who knows the individual well enough to feel comfortable making this recommendation.

Fifth and last but not least important- remember that everyone has good days and bad days! Sometimes things just seem impossible when you.

If someone tells you they are thinking about suicide, it's very important to understand that most suicidal people think about dying and not actually doing it. Suicide is a plan and the person with the plan is thinking through how they will do this. This means we can increase their safety by showing we care and taking practical steps to manage risk. For every "I want to kill myself" statement, there might be an underlying message of significant despair or hopelessness up for your interpretation which you need to pay attention to as these may lead you to a productive dialogue where hope can be reignited.

Being calm and reassuring and providing an emergency contact and encouraging them to call should be your first response. This may not work though so it's important you have other follow-up steps in place.

1) Educate yourself about this situation so that you know how best to help the person in crisis, talk with a specialist if necessary.

2) Avoid aggressive or hostile reactions, instead, try being empathetic while not dismissing their feelings because suicidal thoughts are always a sign of extreme emotional distress.

3) Let the person know they can trust you to listen without judgment before gradually guiding them towards professional help - offer reassurance that treatment is only temporary but necessary for their wellbeing

Suicidal thoughts may come from a sudden, strong feeling of despair and hopelessness. It can be as if an instant storm has been dumped on your head, drenching you with the cold, dark water of death. You might feel as if no one will ever or could ever understand how bad it seems to you right now. All this weight feels so heavy and out of control, that suicide starts to seem like a way out. But there is hope!

Acknowledge the person's feelings by telling them "I'm sorry that you're going through this". Trying to say their name to get their attention and then ask them how they are doing.

If the person is at imminent risk, call Emergency. Seek medical attention or go to a hospital for self-care services. Offer to stay with them or call for help if they refuse both options. Speak calmly and clearly, listen to their troubles without judgment, be patient and understanding. Let them know you want to help and that they are not alone through these challenges (or tell them anything else comforting). If they seem like they'll be OK on their own but could use some nonjudgmental support later that day or tomorrow, offer to take care of them then. If you're feeling intimidated by this situation (thinking "I can't do this!"), please remember that this person came

One of the most dangerous situations is when a suicidal person points a gun at themselves while they are sitting in front of you. In that situation, get on your knees and then slowly touch it from behind. By touching the gun from behind, there's no chance he will suddenly turn around and shoot before you have time to react. Tell him clearly that you're getting the bullet away from him, so he doesn't hurt anyone else. If he wants to talk about what's going on or if he shows any interest in giving up, try to listen calmly for a while without criticizing or interrupting them too much.

Listen to their thoughts and feelings without judgment or judgment. Reassure the person that you will do anything they need you to do if they continue with their suicidal thoughts.

Help them consider a way out of it by giving them a number for a hotline or a crisis line, as well as the option to call an emergency. Reach out to someone yourself who can help calm your nerves and may know what strategies might be helpful in this situation if it ever happens again.

1. Remove any objects that could be used in a suicide attempt from the person's reach, including guns, knives, razors, medications, and other potentially lethal items.

2. Calmly tell them they don't want to do it for any given reasons you can think of--because life is worth living no matter how difficult or painful various aspects may be at times because there are people who care about them and will miss them if they die by suicide.

3. Refuse to leave until someone else arrives who can talk with the person further and assess their mental state.

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20% Health Time | A Smarter Way to Build Workplace Wellbeing

Modern workplaces are increasingly recognising that employee health is not separate from performance—it is foundational to it. Long work hours, constant digital connectivity and rising stress levels have led to burnout, lifestyle diseases and declining engagement across industries. In this context, the concept of 20% Health Time has emerged as a forward-thinking approach to workplace wellness.

20% Health Time allows employees to dedicate a portion of their paid working hours specifically to activities that support physical, mental and preventive health. Rather than treating wellness as an after-hours responsibility, this model integrates health directly into the work culture.

What Is 20% Health Time?

20% Health Time is a structured workplace initiative where employees are encouraged or allowed to spend approximately one-fifth of their working time on health-related activities.

These activities may include:

physical exercise or movement breaks
mental wellness practices
health education sessions
preventive health screenings
stress management and recovery

The core idea is simple: healthier employees perform better and sustain productivity longer.

Why Traditional Wellness Programs Fall Short

Many organisations offer wellness benefits such as gym memberships or annual checkups. While valuable, these programs often fail because:

employees lack time to use them
wellness is seen as optional
participation remains low
benefits are disconnected from daily work

20% Health Time addresses these gaps by embedding wellness into regular work hours.

Why Health Time Matters in Today’s Workplace

Rising Lifestyle Disease Burden

Public health data shows increasing rates of:

diabetes
hypertension
obesity
mental health disorders

These conditions affect working-age adults and directly impact productivity and healthcare costs.

Burnout and Mental Fatigue

Constant pressure and lack of recovery time lead to:

chronic stress
disengagement
absenteeism
high attrition

Health Time creates space for recovery and resilience.

Sedentary Work Culture

Desk-bound work contributes to:

musculoskeletal problems
cardiovascular risk
low energy levels

Dedicated health time encourages movement and prevention.

How 20% Health Time Benefits Employees

Improved Physical Health

Regular movement and preventive care reduce long-term health risks.

Better Mental Wellbeing

Time for mindfulness, rest and stress management improves emotional balance.

Higher Energy and Focus

Healthy routines improve concentration and reduce fatigue.

Empowerment and Autonomy

Employees feel trusted to manage their wellbeing, increasing engagement.

How Employers Benefit from 20% Health Time

Increased Productivity

Healthy employees work more efficiently and make fewer errors.

Reduced Absenteeism

Preventive care lowers sick days and health-related disruptions.

Lower Healthcare Costs

Early detection and healthier habits reduce long-term medical expenses.

Stronger Employer Brand

Wellbeing-focused policies attract and retain top talent.

Sustainable Performance

Health Time supports long-term performance rather than short-term output.

Activities That Fit into 20% Health Time

Organisations can tailor activities based on workforce needs:

guided fitness or yoga sessions
walking or movement breaks
mental health workshops
preventive health checkups
nutrition education
stress and sleep management programs

Flexibility ensures inclusivity across roles and work models.

Evidence Supporting Health Time Initiatives

Workplace health research consistently shows that:

preventive health improves productivity
employee wellbeing programs reduce burnout
time invested in health yields measurable returns

According to WHO and workplace wellness studies, integrated health initiatives deliver better outcomes than standalone benefits.

Addressing Common Concerns

“Will this reduce working hours?”

No. Health Time improves efficiency, offsetting time spent through better performance.

“Is it suitable for high-pressure roles?”

Yes. High-stress roles benefit the most from structured recovery time.

“How do we measure impact?”

Metrics may include:

reduced absenteeism
improved engagement scores
lower healthcare claims
better retention

Implementing 20% Health Time Effectively

Successful implementation requires:

leadership support
clear guidelines
flexible scheduling
inclusive activity options
regular feedback

Health Time works best when seen as a cultural shift, not a perk.

Long-Term Impact on Organisational Health

Over time, organisations adopting Health Time observe:

healthier workforce
improved morale
reduced burnout
stronger team cohesion
sustainable growth

These benefits compound year after year.

Conclusion

20% Health Time represents a progressive shift in how organisations view employee wellbeing. By dedicating work time to health, companies acknowledge that productivity and wellbeing are deeply connected. Rather than reacting to burnout and illness, Health Time promotes prevention, balance and resilience. In a future where talent, performance and sustainability matter more than ever, integrating health into the workday is not a luxury—it is a strategic necessity.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Workplace Health Promotion Guidelines
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Lifestyle Disease and Work Health Reports
NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Workforce Wellbeing Strateg
Lancet – Workplace Wellness and Productivity Studies
Harvard Business Review – Employee Wellbeing and Performance Research
Statista – Corporate Wellness Trends and ROI Data

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