September is Suicide Prevention Month, an important time to remember a reality that concerns us all: behind every colleague, employee, manager or professional is a person who may, at some point in their life, go through a difficult time.

The workplace holds an important place in our lives. We spend a large part of our time there, build relationships and experience successes, but also, at times, stress, pressure, conflict, exhaustion or periods of uncertainty. For some people, these difficulties can become particularly hard to bear.

Prevention often begins with something very simple: being attentive to others.

A change in behaviour, a colleague who withdraws, a usually energetic person who seems constantly exhausted, a sudden decrease in motivation, or remarks that convey despair may be signs that should not simply be ignored. That said, someone who is struggling may be hiding behind a smile. Appearances can be deceiving, and the person who is suffering is precisely the person we would least suspect. This is why it is important to remain vigilant and open, without making assumptions about what a person is experiencing beneath the surface.

At work, we do not need to be experts to make a difference. We can simply take the time to ask, “How are you really doing?” or “Is everything all right?” Above all, we can listen without judging, without minimizing and without immediately trying to find a solution.

Talking about mental health and suicide prevention does not create the problem. On the contrary, opening the conversation can help break the isolation and enable a person to ask for help.

Employers also have an important role to play. A healthy workplace is one where people can talk about difficulties, where psychological health is taken seriously and where employees know which resources to turn to when they need them. Prevention therefore also involves an organizational culture based on respect, listening, care and trust.

We must also remember one essential thing: asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is often a sign of courage.

During this Suicide Prevention Month, let us take a few minutes to look around us. Someone we know may be going through a difficult time without our being aware of it. A message, a conversation, attentive listening or simply showing someone that they matter can mean much more than we imagine.

Suicide prevention does not rest on one person alone. It rests on all of us.

At work, as elsewhere, let us be attentive. Let us dare to speak. Let us dare to listen. Above all, let us not hesitate to reach out.