Sally Spencer-Thomas
What do you say to “I’m NOT Okay” - How to ...

What do you say when someone tells you, “I’m NOT okay”? Most of us freeze or rush to fix it. Meet Mitch Wallis, opening keynote for the 6th Annual Construction Mental Health & Wellbeing Conference. His Real Conversations® framework teaches practical skills that make connection part of your safety system.

What do you say to “I’m NOT Okay” - How to Make Authentic Connection Part of Your Safety Priorities
Sally Spencer-Thomas
Mental Health Awareness is Insufficient

We talk about mental health more than ever and yet, more people are struggling to get support. The problem isn't awareness. Awareness opened the door. The problem is what comes next: the human infrastructure that turns concern into action, and good intentions into real pathways to care.

Mental Health Awareness is Insufficient
Sally Spencer-Thomas
Sponsor the 2027 Construction Mental Health ...

The 6th Annual Construction Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference is coming to Chicago, February 22–25, 2027 — and sponsorship opportunities are now open. Google, major GCs, unions, and lived-experience advocates have all shown up. The people leading this movement will be in the room. Will your organization be there with them?

Sponsor the 2027 Construction Mental Health Conference in Chicago — Early-Bird Deadline September 30
Sally Spencer-Thomas
The ROI Is Real: The Business Case for Going ...

Poor mental health is already costing your organization in absenteeism, turnover, and safety incidents. The good news: every $1 invested returns $4, and up to $6 when you act early. Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas lays out the three-level workplace strategy that turns mental health from a line item into a business investment.

The ROI Is Real: The Business Case for Going All In on Workplace Mental Health
Sally Spencer-Thomas
From Death Prevention to Life Reclamation: ...

At the 2026 American Association of Suicidology conference, I felt the field shift. Beyond risk detection and safety plans, she sensed a hunger for healing — recovery-oriented care, belonging, and "muscular hope." From workplace prevention to solidarity across difference, this is suicide prevention moving from death prevention toward life reclamation.

From Death Prevention to Life Reclamation: Reflections from the American Association of Suicidology

Three Ways Employers Can Stop Worker Suicide

Three Ways Employers Can Stop Worker Suicide

Launched in April 2024, the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention calls on US employers to integrate suicide prevention into their company's health and safety plan. Of the 15 goals in the strategy, one is dedicated to the workplace.

Goal #5 of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention states: "Integrate suicide prevention into the culture of the workplace and into other community settings."

Companies that already are driving a culture of care and psychological safety are, therefore, at the front of a growing movement to stem the alarming rise of suicides and fatal overdoses nationally—exactly what the strategy was designed to address. For those still seeking to build a culture of care, there has never been more support for your aims.

,

Leveraging Lived Experience for Impactful Suicide Prevention and Recovery: Research Findings from the European Symposium on Suicide and Suicidal Behavior in Rome

,
Leveraging Lived Experience for Impactful Suicide Prevention and Recovery: Research Findings from the European Symposium on Suicide and Suicidal Behavior in Rome

Last week, I found myself deeply inspired by the symposium at the European Symposium on Suicide and Suicidal Behavior (#ESSSB20) in Rome, where profound discussions unfolded about the critical importance of integrating the wisdom of those with lived and living experiences into every aspect of suicide prevention and recovery. 

, , ,

7 Key Reasons Why Lived Experience Matters in Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention

, , ,
7 Key Reasons Why Lived Experience Matters in Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention

Lived experience is the heartbeat of suicide prevention, breathing life into data and transforming theoretical strategies into real-world impact. By centering the voices of those who have navigated suicidal thoughts, behaviors, or grief, we gain insights that go beyond statistics—insights that are rooted in the emotional, social, and personal realities of the human experience. Incorporating lived experience ensures that suicide prevention efforts not only address the complexities of mental health but do so in a way that is empathetic, adaptable, and truly person-centered. These voices bring richness to our understanding, fostering innovative, humane approaches that lead to genuine healing and change.

,

From Awareness to Action: Changing Culture to Prevent Physician Suicide

,
From Awareness to Action: Changing Culture to Prevent Physician Suicide

Every day, physicians help improve and save lives. But when it comes to their own mental health struggles, they often don’t address the symptoms of trouble until they are in full-blown crisis. Sometimes, their mental health crisis turns deadly. Physicians have one of the highest suicide rates of any profession in the US. Federal data show an estimated 400 physicians die by suicide per year. More than half of physicians know a physician who has either considered, attempted or died by suicide in their career, according to Vital Signs, a nonprofit aimed at ending physician suicide. They also report an estimated one million persons in the U.S. lose their physician to suicide each year.

,

How MINES & Associates Turned Their Commitment to Mental Health into a National Movement with the H.O.P.E. Certification

,
How MINES & Associates Turned Their Commitment to Mental Health into a National Movement with the H.O.P.E. Certification

When the behavioral health crisis assessment and referral team at Banner Health’s Northern Colorado campus in Greeley heard about H.O.P.E. Certification, a program that is helping build resilience and wellbeing in industries facing acute suicide and other mental health crises, they were intrigued. The team knew that workers at their hospital were exhausted and traumatized, and needed a variety of mental health supports.

,

I Didn't Get the Jock Genes—Why I Still Find Running an Important Part of My Self-Care Strategy

,
I Didn't Get the Jock Genes—Why I Still Find Running an Important Part of My Self-Care Strategy

Growing up in a family of natural athletes, I always felt like the odd one out, struggling to find my place in the world of sports. But when I discovered running, everything changed. This blog explores how running became more than just exercise for me—it became a powerful tool for self-care, resilience, and finding peace.

,

Are you looking for personalized mental health support apps?

,
Are you looking for personalized mental health support apps?

Discover the top cloud-based mental health apps of 2024, categorized into resilience, early intervention, and intensive support. Explore SaaS solutions like Calm, Talkspace, BetterHelp, and more, offering personalized care for individuals and employers to enhance mental well-being anytime, anywhere.

,

Spreading H.O.P.E.: A Case Study from Banner Health in Northern Colorado

,
Spreading H.O.P.E.: A Case Study from Banner Health in Northern Colorado

When the behavioral health crisis assessment and referral team at Banner Health’s Northern Colorado campus in Greeley heard about H.O.P.E. Certification, a program that is helping build resilience and wellbeing in industries facing acute suicide and other mental health crises, they were intrigued. The team knew that workers at their hospital were exhausted and traumatized, and needed a variety of mental health supports.

,

Recovery-Supportive Workplaces: A New and Important Trend in Workplace Wellbeing

,
Recovery-Supportive Workplaces: A New and Important Trend in Workplace Wellbeing

Creating a recovery-supportive work environment helps enhance your organization’s overall health and safety, while moving the solutions to mental health concerns in your workforce from the individual level to the environmental one, which is easier for an organization to control for optimal outcomes. Doing so promotes psychological safety, team cohesion, and a wellness-oriented climate. For more information or to register for the workshop, contact Chase Plank: chase@sallyspencerthomas.com 

,

Suicide on the frontline: how one nurse turned his pain into purpose Providing H.O.P.E. to the healthcare workforce within the Zero Suicide framework

,
Suicide on the frontline: how one nurse turned his pain into purpose Providing H.O.P.E. to the healthcare workforce within the Zero Suicide framework

Following the death of his friend and colleague, a critical care nurse becomes inspired to end the stigma against mental health help-seeking in healthcare workers, becoming a leader in suicide prevention efforts in the healthcare workforce. 

,

“Everyone knows I’m struggling”: The Death of Emergency Room Physician, the Mental Health Crisis of the Healthcare Industry and a Call to Action for Systemic Change – The Story of Lorna Breen, MD

,
“Everyone knows I’m struggling”: The Death of Emergency Room Physician, the Mental Health Crisis of the Healthcare Industry and a Call to Action for Systemic Change – The Story of Lorna Breen, MD

Due to a combined lack of crisis preparation by a hospital administration, a “suck it up” culture among hospital medical staff, when a time of relentless exposure to trauma provoked a mental health crisis for an emergency physician, her fear of being stigmatized ended in suicide. Since then, a movement has evolved to remove systemic and discriminating barriers to mental health help-seeking among healthcare workers and to create healthcare workplace environments that promote a holistic approach to well-being.

,

Zero Suicide Global Summit Highlights and Insights on the Healthcare System and Suicide Prevention

,
Zero Suicide Global Summit Highlights and Insights on the Healthcare System and Suicide Prevention

Last month I attended the Zero Suicide Global Summit in Liverpool, England with 110 global attendees from 22 countries and all continents (except Antarctica). The event is part of an international movement to transform healthcare systems and to aspire to “zero suicides.”

INTRODUCTION America’s Healthcare Workforce in Crisis: Integrating Zero Suicide Framework with HOPE Certification to Support Healthcare Workforce Wellbeing

INTRODUCTION America’s Healthcare Workforce in Crisis: Integrating Zero Suicide Framework with HOPE Certification to Support Healthcare Workforce Wellbeing

The healthcare workforce plays a critical role in saving lives by providing essential suicide screening and treatment. Ironically, healthcare workers themselves face significant mental health challenges and suicide risks as the frontline to tragedy. This is due in part to their own collective nature which compels them to just “suck it up” and hide their suffering, and in part due to a culture that tacitly condones this code of silence, often penalizing them for breaking it. 

Overcoming Loneliness: Social Connections at Work Can Be a Beacon of Hope Against Suicide

Overcoming Loneliness: Social Connections at Work Can Be a Beacon of Hope Against Suicide

Perhaps by now, you have heard the statistic that people who lack meaningful social connections are at the same level of risk for premature death as those who smoke 15 cigarettes daily. Loneliness also was associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide. In fact, over 100 years of research indicate that social isolation is the most reliable predictor of suicidal ideation, attempts, and lethal suicidal behavior across a variety of demographics and clinical cohorts.

Lived/Living Experience Community -- You Are Invited to Share Your Ideas at the Listening Session on July 26th at 8PM ET

Lived/Living Experience Community -- You Are Invited to Share Your Ideas at the Listening Session on July 26th at 8PM ET

The University of Rochester Center of Excellence and SafeSide Prevention are exploring the potential and feasibility of implementing Community-Led Safe Spaces…(as) an alternative to conventional supports like emergency departments and crisis stabilization units for individuals experiencing a suicidal crisis.

We are seeking your input and ideas around this initiative at an upcoming listening session…

, , , , ,

6 Tips to Improve Your Heart Rate Variability (HRV), Vagal Tone, and Stress Management

, , , , ,
6 Tips to Improve Your Heart Rate Variability (HRV), Vagal Tone, and Stress Management

Have you ever noticed how your heart rate changes when you're stressed or relaxed? Your heart rate is not constant but fluctuates slightly. This natural variability in heart rate is known as Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and is an essential indicator of our overall well-being. In recent years, researchers have discovered a strong connection between HRV, vagal tone, and stress management.

National Suicide Prevention Week 2022: Creating Hope Through Action

National Suicide Prevention Week 2022: Creating Hope Through Action

Starting September 4, individuals and organizations across the U.S. will engage in National Suicide Prevention Week in the lead-up to World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. But suicide prevention doesn't matter for one day or week out of the year. Rather, it's a yearlong effort that requires patience, commitment, and—most of all—hope.

,

The 988 Launch – How are We Considering the Needs of Historically Marginalized Communities?

,
The 988 Launch – How are We Considering the Needs of Historically Marginalized Communities?

About 12 million adults seriously consider suicide each year. For those ages 10 to 34, suicide is the second most common cause of death. Substance use challenges, addictive behaviors, trauma and complicated grief often lead to tremendous despair and disruption for individuals, families and communities.

Recognizing these and other statistics, Congress passed the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act in 2020. The bill established means for a new, federally and state-funded network of suicide prevention centers that Americans could call with a 3-digit code: 988.

Now—after years of careful planning—the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline launches nationwide on July 16, 2022.

Guest panelists from several areas of mental health advocacy joined Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas on June 23, 2022 for an #ElevateTheConvo Twitter chat about the initiative.

, ,

6 Tools to Mitigate Burnout – Individual and Organizational Solutions

, ,
6 Tools to Mitigate Burnout – Individual and Organizational Solutions

Burnout plagues workers, parents, students, and countless others. According to SHRM[1], in 2021 47.8 million workers quit their jobs, making the monthly average almost four million and the highest resignation rate on record. Fortune[2] reported that for 30% of workers left behind getting work done is a significant challenge, resulting many feeling decreasing loyalty as everyone fights for the war for talent.

Many speculate that this great churn in labor is the result of crippling burnout.