Suicide Prevention Resources for Entrepreneurs

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Suicide Prevention Resources for Entrepreneurs 

Learn to spot red flags and offer support

Mental health in general, and suicide prevention especially, is one of the most important and least-talked about subjects in entrepreneurship. We brought experts to the table to shed light on this issue for Suicide Prevention Month. 

The first step when it comes to suicide prevention is knowledge. Here are two key resources:

• Learn the risk factors and warning signs of a possible suicide attempt
• Learn what to do when someone is at risk

NPR’s Life Kit has a short and informative suicide prevention guide episode as well.

Due to the high-stress nature of running your own business, entrepreneurs can be vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and even suicide. Did you know that 49% of entrepreneurs struggle with mental health? 

Here are 4 important things we learned from this panel regarding entrepreneurs specifically – we highly recommend watching the session for more context around these quick notes! 

• Remember that business IS personal

Our time, energy, financial resources, many social connections, all too often our self-worth is tied up in work. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or not, business is personal and work deeply affects mental health. 

Work may be even more personal for entrepreneurs and small business owners, because much of the time the business is a passion project that the wellbeing of their family depends on. The increased stakes lead to increased pressure – and when things don’t go well, feelings of hopelessness and exhaustion are risk factors of suicide.

• Entrepreneurs need to know other entrepreneurs 

Isolation is a big risk factor for mental health issues and suicide, and entrepreneurs often feel isolated. Seeking out community with fellow entrepreneurs who share experiences can go far to remind you that you’re not alone. 

• Ask entrepreneurs open-ended questions

If you want your entrepreneurial loved one to open up, yes or no questions (Like, “Are you okay?”) are easy to brush off. If you’re aiming for a conversation, ask open ended or comparative questions. “What’s the best part of your job? What’s the worst?” 

• It’s easy to dismiss “self-care.” Don’t!

Asking yourself or someone else to be an entrepreneur (or just live life) without self-care is like asking a car to drive without gas. Prioritize things that fill your tank. You can’t run a car or a business on empty.

Christopher Epperson spoke from his perspective as an both an entrepreneur and in his role with of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Susie Reece,  resiliency coach, suicide prevention strategist, consultant and author will join us to speak as the founder and CEO of Speak Fearlessly Always and from her own lived experience.  Ken Clark of Chenal Family Therapy and Bruce Trimble of The Bridgeway discussed statistics on this issue and gave us practical resources to help prevent tragedy. 

Please note, this discussion will covered sensitive material that may be activating for those who are struggling. Please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 741741 now if you are in crisis.