Emotions and Feelings Affect Our Mental Health!

What can we, as leaders, do to help?

Mental Health and Suicide Rates:

Construction workers are five times more likely to die by suicide than those in other professions. In 2021 (latest data from the National Library of Medicine) 17.9% of all suicides were related to the construction industry. More of our workers on job sites die by suicide than from OSHA-related accidents, yet the training and support for mental health are lacking.

Having been in construction for many years, I have witnessed the ups and downs of mental health awareness in our industry. Our culture, passed down through generations, has often overlooked mental health. Traditionally, feelings were not something to bring to the job site and work life and personal life were separate. However, the new generation of workers seek resources and guidance for these feelings often citing that programs like mental health determine where they want to work. It is in the best interest of all our companies to support those needs.

Understanding Mental Health Issues

Mental health issues can stem from various sources, ranging from stress to suicidal thoughts. Everyone is unique, and what affects one person may not affect another. We must exercise empathy and understanding when addressing mental health concerns, leaving opinions out of the conversation.

Here are some stress factors our workers experience

  • Work-Related Stress

    Stress manifests in many ways, such as long hours, heavy tasks, or the type of leadership. For example, being moved to a new job site away from friends can cause stress. Leadership stress often trickles down to workers, and physical stress from demanding tasks can also impact mental health. Traveling workers, away from family and friends, may experience isolation and turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms.

  • Home Stress:

    Family is often the backbone of our happiness. Working long hours or traveling can strain family relationships. Divorce rates are high in the construction industry (some data indicates 36.5%), significantly affecting people both at home and on the job site. Missing important family events or dealing with family challenges can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

  • Financial Stress

    Some workers live paycheck to paycheck, worrying about layoffs and financial stability. Lack of financial training and even concerns about retirement can add to the stress. Financial uncertainty can severely impact mental health.

  • Substance Abuse:

    The use of illegal drugs, overuse of alcohol, and in cases addiction to legal drugs like opiates are prevalent in construction. Workers may turn to substances to escape daily stress, leading to dependency and even death.

Resources

Mental health is something that needs to be treated by a professional. Our job as leaders, coworkers, friends, or family is to get them to the professionals. We can do that by being empathetic and understanding and encourage them to seek out care. There are many resources you can find in your local community. This is a list to just get you started.

Hotlines:

  • 988 Lifeline (Call or Text)

    Using 988 Lifeline is free. When you call, text, or chat the 988 Lifeline, your conversation is confidential. The 988 Lifeline provides you with judgment-free care. Connecting with someone can help save your life.

  • Crisis Text Line (Text 741741)

    Crisis Text Line (CTL) is here for you. A live, trained volunteer Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from our secure online platform.

Local Resources:

  • 2tuff2talk.com

    Non-profits like 2tuff2talk.com out of Northern Ohio offer local resources, on-site conversations on mental health, training, and awareness programs. Even volunteers come to speak to your leadership on how to identify mental health signs

  • 1 in 5

    Out of Cincinnati Ohio. The mission of 1N5 is to prevent suicide by erasing the stigma of mental illness and promoting optimal mental wellness. They have training, community involvement and advocacy. www.1n5.org

National Resources:

  • SAFE Project

    To contribute solutions toward overcoming mental health challenges, substance misuse, and the addiction epidemic in the United States.

  • Construction industry alliance for suicide prevention:

    The Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention was born out of necessity in response to statistics released in a CDC study ranking construction as the #1 industry for deaths by suicide.

  • NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

    NAMI | National Alliance on Mental Illness is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, dedicated to building better lives for individuals and families affected by mental illness through advocacy, education, support, and public awareness.

    • They offer programs like NAMI Basics, which empowers families and individuals with knowledge and skills.
    • NAMI also has peer-to-peer programs for adults with mental health conditions.

  • NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health):

    The lead federal agency for research on mental behaviors and disorders. They aim to reduce the burden of mental health conditions through research on mind, brain, and behavior.

  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:

    A national nonprofit organization dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education, and advocacy.

  • The National Council for Mental Wellbeing:

    A membership organization that drives policy and social change on behalf of mental health and substance use treatment organizations across the nation.

Construction organizations have also developed programs:

  • The AGC Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Task Force

    The AGC Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Task Force has compiled a wealth of tools and resources related to mental health, substance abuse, and suicide prevention.

  • AWCI Safety and Health Committee

    The AWCI continues to share knowledge and foster communications through the committee and organization.

Solutions

  1. Mental health is something that needs to be treated by a professional. Our job as leaders, coworkers, friends, or family is to get them to the professionals. We can do that by being empathetic and understanding and encourage them to seek out care. There are many resources you can find in your local community. This is a list to just get you started.

  2. Find programs in your area: I recommend you investigate the resources listed and ask within your peer groups and safety committees in your area for what they do.

  3. Develop a policy: Reach out to contractors and see if they have an existing policy.
    Review with leaders, legal, HR, safety, and anyone else who might add value.

  4. Train your workforce: Make sure your program is shared throughout your company, and everyone understands what their role is and to whom to direct workers.

    1. Be sure to provide leaders with advanced training on how to oversee these situations.

  5. Once you have these in place: Our Company experienced a large increase in people sharing once our program was in place and testimonials have proven that no less than 3 lives have been saved by the effort.

By fostering a supportive and empathetic environment, we can help reduce the stigma around mental health and provide the necessary resources for those in need. Yes, it really can be that simple!

How do you think your company or team could start implementing these changes?

This article was written by:
Christopher Sanders,VP of Safety Valley Interior Systems
csanders@buildwithvalley.com, 614-537-1465
Founder and current board president of 2tuff2talk.com, 833-tuff-tlk (883-3855)

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