The number of workers dying on the job decreased in 2008. This is due in part to fewer workers working. In fact, the numbers and percentages of deaths decreased in all areas.  Fewer workers died from falls or from vehicle accidents for example. The only statistic that is on the rise is the number of suicides in the workplace.  Suicides rose to 28% in 2008.

This is an alarming statistic and given this difficult economy, there may not be good news for awhile.  When we are worried about layoffs, having to do more work with fewer people, survivor’s guilt (why do I still have a job when others don’t) we can see how workplace stress is growing leading to overburdened individuals to take a permanent solution to a temporary problem. 

These are strange times.  No one has a road map.  You have to take care of yourself and do what you can to manage stress.  A few suggestions:

Get away.  Take a walk at lunch or break.  Even getting up and walking away from a stressful situation helps. 

Laugh.  Humor is not always appropriate (for example, funerals, serious family situations, etc.), but try not to take the situation too seriously and when possible find humor in what’s going on.

Talk to someone.  This should be someone you trust.  Sharing your burdens with a valued friend helps reduce stress.

And, please, if you feel suicide is the only answer, stop, call someone and get immediate help!