Overview
What does upstream suicide prevention look like in the workplace?
Most workplace mental health efforts don’t start until someone is already struggling—crisis lines, EAP referrals, or stress leave. But what if we moved earlier?
In this episode of Headspace for the Workplace, Scott LoMurray shares upstream wisdom and shows how these same strategies can transform the workplace. Leaders will learn how to bake strength-building and trust into everyday leadership practices, and why focusing on culture and connection today prevents tomorrow’s burnout, turnover, and disengagement.
Together we discuss:
How can leaders build trust and belonging to reduce employee burnout?
What are examples of upstream mental health strategies at work?
Why should companies invest in prevention?
How can strength-based leadership improve employee mental health?
How does workplace culture impact mental health and suicide risk?
What role do managers play in upstream mental health strategies?
How can embedding connection into daily work reduce turnover?
What is the ROI of upstream suicide prevention in organizations?
About Scott LoMurray
Scott LoMurray is the CEO of Sources of Strength, an internationally recognized upstream prevention program used in schools, universities, and communities around the world.
In 2025, Scott was named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in Health for his work transforming prevention through strength-based leadership, stories of connection, and cultural transformation.
With an MBA in Global, Social, and Sustainable Enterprise, Scott has helped scale Sources of Strength into one of the most evidence-backed and widely adopted prevention models in the nation.
Scott lives in Colorado with his wife and their three exceedingly adorable children.
Social Media: @sourcesofstrength
Learn more: sourcesofstrength.org
About Sources of Strength
Sources of Strength is a public health prevention program focused on strengths, connection, and belonging. Backed by decades of evidence and research, the program has been recognized globally for its impact on reducing suicide, substance misuse, and despair.
BMJ Injury Prevention Study: https://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/29/5/442
American Journal of Preventive Medicine https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(24)00400-8/fulltext
Recent Features:
Colorado Public Radio: https://www.cpr.org/2025/03/23/peer-led-teen-suicide-prevention-program-results/
TIME100 Health Recognition https://time.com/collections/time100-health-2025/7279646/scott-lomurray/
Tactical Takeaways for Leaders
#1 Create space for connection and belonging
Mental health thrives in trusted relationships. Leaders don’t need to be therapists; they just need to foster environments where people feel seen, safe, and supported.
#2 Get beyond the “I don’t have time” mentality
Upstream prevention isn’t extra work; it’s a better way of working. Build gratitude, generosity, and meaning into what you’re already doing.
“Pay now or pay later. If you want to reduce burnout, turnover, and absenteeism -- upstream is the ROI you can’t afford to ignore.”
Resources & Links
Follow: @sourcesofstrength
Learn More: The Wheel of Strengths
About Upstream Strategies: