OH&S Staff Self Harm

Hi All

I received an email today from an employee who has advised that over the last couple of days, they are self harming with scissors and extremely depressed.

Contained within the email, it was noted that during their younger years there was sexual abuse from a teacher and then from a coworker. Recently the employee started having back pain and has been somewhat incapacitated to move and has been at home thinking about the past. They have been to the doctor who prescribed Valium and morphine pills, and today I was further alerted via email that they were having suicidal thoughts and this is not the first time. They are attending the doctors tonight for further tests.

I have thanked them for letting me know and have advised them that in their interest that they contact lifeline to speak to someone who can professionally help them if they think about suicide or at the very least a friend or family member. I am under the impression that they are not a close family.

I am looking for advice on how to deal with this situation. This as this is the first time in 10 years that I have en-counted this type of situation.

Look forward to responses.

Contact BeyondBlue and ask them for advice;
Get immediate help for depression and anxiety

We have a local psychiatrist that we use to help us. The company pays. In the grand scheme of things, really, the cost is negligible. Maybe $160/session...? Think of all the things companies waste money on that are tens times that figure!
I would really encourage everybody to develop a relationship between your company and local Doctor in case you need quick help, like this situation.