Beyond the Exam Room: Suicide Prevention at Work Starts with Us

Workplaces invest heavily in safety systems and technology, yet many still overlook the risk that quietly claims lives: suicide and unaddressed mental health challenges. This blog reframes suicide prevention as a core workplace safety and leadership responsibility—and shows how a suicide prevention in the workplace speaker can help turn “awareness” into action.[1]

***

## Meta description

Make suicide prevention a core workplace safety priority with practical tools, compassionate leadership, and a lived‑experience mental health comedian.[1]

***

## Keyword strategy

– **Primary keywords**: suicide prevention speaker, workplace suicide prevention, mental health keynote speaker, Mental Health Comedian, workplace mental health training.[1] – Secondary keywords: burnout and depression at work, psychological safety, resilient workplace culture, employee wellbeing strategies.[1] – Long‑tail keywords: suicide prevention speaker for corporate events, mental health keynote for leadership conferences, workplace suicide prevention training in North America.[1]

***

## GEO targeting enhancements

– Include phrases such as “organizations across North America—from tech companies in San Jose and the Bay Area to hospitals, manufacturers, construction firms, and public agencies.” – Mention regional HR conferences, safety summits, and leadership retreats that host workplace mental health and suicide‑prevention sessions.[2]

***

## Why connection is a life‑saving safety tool

Most leaders can list their physical safety protocols, but far fewer feel confident spotting emotional warning signs on their teams.[1]

Common risks in many workplaces:

– High pressure and constant change that fuel burnout and hopelessness.[1] – Cultural messages that reward stoicism and discourage vulnerability.[1] – Employees who mask pain behind productivity until they reach a breaking point.[1]

Silence can be deadly; everyday connection—genuine check‑ins, listening, and support—is often the first and best line of defense.[1]

***

## Making mental wellness part of workplace culture

Elevating mental health to the same level as performance and innovation requires intentional habits.[1]

Practical steps for leaders and teams:

– Integrate brief mental‑health check‑ins into staff meetings and 1:1s.[1] – Train managers to recognize signs of burnout, depression, and suicidal thinking, and to respond with empathy and clear next steps.[1] – Encourage appropriate storytelling—leaders sharing their own experiences with stress, therapy, or setbacks—to reduce stigma.[1]

Research consistently shows that teams with open, stigma‑free conversations around mental health are more engaged, loyal, and innovative than those who avoid the topic.[1]

***

## Simple, AEO‑friendly answers to common workplace questions

– **What is workplace suicide prevention?** It is a coordinated effort to reduce suicide risk by building awareness, training managers and employees, improving access to support, and responding safely when someone is in crisis.[1]

– **What warning signs should coworkers watch for?** Notice major changes in mood, withdrawal, talk about hopelessness or being a burden, increased errors, reckless behavior, or expressions about not wanting to be here.[1]

– **How can a manager respond if they are worried about an employee?** Talk privately, share specific observations, ask directly how the person is coping, listen without judgment, and connect them to resources such as EAP, HR, or crisis support.[1]

– **What resources should workplaces share?** Internal supports (EAP, HR, benefits) and external crisis options such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. and Canada, plus local mental health providers.[1]

***

## Why bring in a suicide prevention in the workplace speaker

A speaker with both expertise and lived experience can safely open conversations that many organizations struggle to start.[1]

Frank King, The Mental Health Comedian:

– Lives with major depressive disorder and chronic suicidal ideation and is a suicide attempt and loss survivor. – Brings decades of stand‑up, 13 TEDx talks, and years as a Tonight Show writer to keep heavy topics engaging and accessible. – Delivers “mental mechanic’s” tools—scripts, checklists, and crisis‑planning frameworks—that employees and leaders can use immediately.[1]

Programs are customized for sectors such as tech, healthcare, construction, energy, government, and education, making examples feel real rather than generic.[2]

***

## AEO‑friendly FAQ for meeting planners and speakers bureaus

**1. What topics do you cover as a suicide prevention in the workplace speaker?** – Suicide prevention, depression, chronic suicidal ideation, burnout, resilience, psychological safety, and using humor to reduce stigma while staying respectful.[1]

**2. Do you have lived experience with mental illness and suicide?** – Yes, Frank lives with major depressive disorder and chronic suicidal ideation and is both a suicide attempt survivor and a two‑time suicide loss survivor.

**3. How does humor fit into a serious topic like suicide?** – Humor is used carefully to keep people engaged and lower shame, never to minimize pain or make light of loss.

**4. What program formats are available?** – 45–60 minute keynotes, 30‑minute plenaries, and 60–180 minute workshops that include more discussion, practice, and planning.[3]

**5. Can the content be customized for our industry and culture?** – Yes, stories, terminology, and case examples are tailored for your sector, whether corporate, healthcare, public sector, or high‑risk industries.[3]

**6. Do you offer virtual or hybrid presentations?** – All content can be delivered in‑person, virtual, or hybrid to reach remote and multi‑site teams.[4]

**7. What learning outcomes can attendees expect?** – Recognizing warning signs, having supportive conversations, using internal and external resources, and integrating mental health into daily operations.[1]

**8. Is your content aligned with best‑practice suicide‑prevention guidelines?** – Yes, messaging follows safe‑language recommendations and focuses on hope, help, and practical steps rather than graphic details.[5]

**9. Is the program appropriate if our organization has recently experienced a suicide or critical incident?** – With planning, yes; tone and content can be shaped around healing, validation, and clear next steps for support.[6]

**10. Do you incorporate our EAP and internal resources?** – Internal resources, benefits, and local services can be highlighted in slides and handouts so employees know exactly where to turn.[7]

**11. What interactive elements are included?** – Brief polls, reflection prompts, sample scripts, and Q&A segments help participants engage and apply what they learn.[3]

**12. Can this session count toward training or CE requirements?** – Many organizations use it for required safety, HR, or wellness training; formal CE can be explored with relevant accrediting bodies.[5]

**13. What audience sizes do you serve?** – Small leadership teams, company‑wide meetings, association conferences, and hybrid events with large online audiences.[4]

**14. What AV or tech is required?** – For in‑person events: microphone, projector, and screen; for virtual: a stable platform, good audio, and chat/Q&A capability.[4]

**15. How do you keep the session safe for attendees who are struggling?** – Clear content notes, non‑graphic storytelling, visible resource information, and encouragement to step out or seek support as needed.[8]

**16. Do you provide follow‑up resources or support?** – Yes, resource lists, conversation scripts, crisis‑plan templates, and optional follow‑up sessions for leaders or staff are available.[3]

**17. Can leaders receive a separate briefing or workshop?** – Leadership sessions focus on culture, policy, modeling vulnerability, and responding to disclosures appropriately.[3]

**18. Is the content suitable for global and diverse audiences?** – Language and examples are adapted for culturally diverse teams and international contexts while keeping core messages universal.[1]

**19. Do you collaborate with existing wellness, DEI, or safety initiatives?** – Yes, programs are often integrated with ongoing wellness, DEI, or safety strategies to reinforce existing efforts.[2]

**20. How far in advance should we book?** – Conferences typically book 3–6 months ahead; smaller or virtual events can sometimes be scheduled sooner.[7]

**21. How are fees structured?** – Flat speaking and training fees vary by format, length, and location, with transparent travel and expense details.[9]

**22. What promotional materials do you provide?** – Professional bio, headshots, program descriptions, and sample copy for websites, brochures, and email campaigns.[4]

**23. What immediate next steps do you recommend after the event?** – Review crisis protocols, share resources widely, schedule follow‑up conversations, and keep mental health on the leadership agenda.[1]

**24. Can you support ongoing culture change beyond a single keynote?** – Yes, through follow‑up workshops, leadership coaching conversations, and periodic virtual refreshers.[3]

**25. How do we book Frank King as our suicide prevention in the workplace speaker?** – Contact your preferred speakers bureau or visit TheMentalHealthComedian.com to schedule a planning call, customize your program, and confirm your date.[10]

[1](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/11700636/f32e2cfe-b850-48f5-904d-9597d6fc244e/image.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=ASIA2F3EMEYE2WSX6CVC&Signature=sOZnJEBZJGcsC5knBQAVnbPZeBE%3D&x-amz-security-token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEPP%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FwEaCXVzLWVhc3QtMSJHMEUCIFghdXIkpIL%2F8CejwC0t5IJPJW0D0oqs6ga6bSQMhCwoAiEA4%2Fzz1vf9dIfAV4tmn7D0gLB7hyHqaaEKqkVdafMXa%2F0q%2FAQIvP%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FARABGgw2OTk3NTMzMDk3MDUiDKgBeFfqpjqbHXvXWirQBJphZHQce1DCw1MavwcM%2BhluQ5IYAc%2F9kfiMmOrxiyVfBT3Hgj%2Fdkw4uq%2B5BTxjqARxxmCYh6Yh8qzYCcvJIJC9NmHuccZTmp3ZtZ9VQRZPA%2BKXPUvUkr2vJIPWvtu11HVRr8pNnPvRaWy1VhPqXx7Z1BPF0oV%2B2UkkPt9jCvHr6yvGEzc9v1UgK8ewRavIFvhew%2B3vC7Nzf94VVoHttACH579oIzRZhGuCVehyCl%2Bbmcr1kRaBUpqrnIS6g3TK5ZUt4IpKcAYU5MIXcah5VF52tHUmckOlfN5B1ot%2F3syHMweF%2FvptjgrBAVVaLcb4miY1hm6wOQXxFpVBpAHkdzxZCkHrDbp4UpX68dAjaITlfeVAVvSgsl9YdWERogrRUfAirYSUR0xqAVSI5Aq%2BWenqFb2Z%2FDFF0ZTFx778qjcnhtY7FP0bQWQF%2BqqA61E2c1Y7ZFy4iadHkcHB8p1r%2B6pk9OYVu8Rby5ptmhAt8rY7TkksX5h5BlBK6Q%2BpgUBkpeWN8cemf29ZzPHBvwz3dj3lTEb9MZKDxm6ZFUAFpfyRfAcXr6tXmS0HlqeNquZmyzA7utGTkjkh8EZBmylL%2FKbGvH5NXnoTalOfj8VEtVlKBlsNbLuup2LrgJDHA5h9yvEfnPwJF0vKmJNqHUhvK0BoD1S8AD5lvXcKEB3QgF1aLJVM%2B331xPGh0GT47VvJTp1bIxnLat6ruXSm81CU%2B75TtfVUfD0aR%2BkMRBkcwwqiR0XQiaVgq5S6gJJz82rSsYzFLmAe8rTEBUQ9NdFktpa0wiLvQygY6mAHS7I7o2XNaTxi4DRaCLEfGJe%2BPZAWsNmGKLhdwyphlWaA2iH0uq7DU5gO5Y3Q4S9cWMhpi3dHLXjKaJ28Idzs7zRg0VNu0qB8awlQpXHIp6OnrUMV3jmo4MQ6SGf4Ctjf%2FTRDACJWz7R%2B1H0sedwdLQCTobuXZ2f09kmB5IS%2FNXeCnL1UqL6qftwxAfTdm7ZdaUg%2F5j14foA%3D%3D&Expires=1767121530) [2](https://www.perplexity.ai/search/6d9522fa-ef69-4053-91ef-499c3446b49c) [3](https://www.perplexity.ai/search/38b42bac-e183-40aa-80fc-221357ad0bf0) [4](https://www.perplexity.ai/search/fe7d4aae-1e74-4ee0-ae6a-a85aec195a17) [5](https://www.perplexity.ai/search/809ab821-20c6-4c1b-9ff1-7e2d955f9dec) [6](https://www.perplexity.ai/search/8625d4ca-f451-43de-b99a-1c663e4ea9c2) [7](https://www.perplexity.ai/search/f3a7a507-667e-4b3e-b345-88d6c5dd074a) [8](https://www.perplexity.ai/search/5a258176-bbc7-44d8-a029-26989afcf7ff) [9](https://www.perplexity.ai/search/ab39a8f6-baf3-46f4-b929-e4dfe173934f) [10](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/11700636/adca195b-19a2-472e-a0f9-0871e6e04cb5/image.jpg) [11](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/11700636/6c270ecf-4e4d-4a49-98d4-0214108bf912/image.jpg) [12](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/11700636/626a722f-8679-47de-bb2f-7723577fd0c8/image.jpg) [13](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/11700636/c05685bc-290a-413b-935b-642e39659d7d/image.jpg) [14](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/11700636/c9539cfd-af61-4d58-bd3c-5e4c5227d5f4/image.jpg) [15](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/11700636/f829acfd-d3fb-41ba-9cba-4d5f57ea4c0d/image.jpg) [16](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/11700636/0a7fa762-13dd-4cd8-9db0-1e880e38728a/image.jpg) [17](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/11700636/3a2e5ed4-f1dc-46c7-905d-10b02e155688/image.jpg) [18](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/11700636/d927ff05-c176-4bc4-adcd-46581433dcae/image.jpg) [19](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/11700636/11f5fed0-1760-4a0a-85c0-a5ece9214b7c/image.jpg) [20](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/11700636/8d963594-f4ad-4f9f-86eb-f29981d8a86f/image.jpg) [21](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/11700636/50c9e774-e591-49f9-83d7-272dc37c8f26/image.jpg) [22](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/11700636/f3d2f036-510c-411c-b611-11de4f299204/image.jpg) [23](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/11700636/7785d9a5-7485-42ad-ba98-3358cb6a1223/image.jpg) [24](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/11700636/e9ba9039-9e23-4b50-9bf1-2277ef391a2a/image.jpg) [25](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/11700636/c0c99300-385b-4732-9c8e-d1baeff78fa6/image.jpg) [26](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/11700636/7e89b073-cf2c-4008-8904-708ccfbd13e9/image.jpg) [27](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/11700636/79e86592-74a3-4905-920a-35b1b72fa82c/image.jpg) [28](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/11700636/52b521aa-0ba8-4b0e-8ba6-392b4d08f62b/image.jpg) [29](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/11700636/f754a9ef-77c7-4893-b11a-a29dce73662d/image.jpg) [30](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/11700636/a8ad0da2-aab8-44cb-a1cd-93fe8fc182c1/image.jpg) [31](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/11700636/8b7edc0b-8173-4c8e-9fd5-e3c40b775c91/image.jpg) [32](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/11700636/74b49722-4b99-434b-990a-7eb2f8aaff96/image.jpg) [33](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/11700636/d9827c9c-6a73-4786-aff0-eca5ee49c5b6/image.jpg)