Mental Health Awareness
The Construction Industry Accounts for 20 percent of the Nation’s Suicides
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the construction industry has the second highest suicide rate among major industries, as 53 out of every 100,000 construction workers die by suicide per year.
Additionally, construction workers represent about 25 percent of fatal opioid overdoses among all workers.
The LMCT is Here to Help
Suicide is no longer a taboo subject in the union construction industry, especially in the Insulators Union. Through our partners YouTurn Health, we are seeking to provide our Brothers and Sisters with the help they need.
Insulators Member Assistance Program (IMAP)
IMAP is a free, confidential resource providing 24/7 mental health and wellness support for members of the Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers union and their families.
Need Immediate Help From a Professional?
Click the button below if you need immediate help and need to speak with a professional.
ToolBox Talks
Suicide Prevention
- Why it is important to talk about suicide prevention.
- Questions to facilitate a discussion around suicide prevention.
- Information on the YouTurn Health program and how to access it.
The Impact of Stress on Individuals and Businesses
Substance use and suicide have a serious impact on the construction industry. This includes workers, as well as businesses and organizations.
Help to Reduce Stress
- For men and women who work in a highly stressful environment, such as construction, the daily stress can eventually take its toll.
- Learn about several ways to relieve stress and increase happiness.
Avoid Burnout
Discover how you can avoid burnout.
Suicide Prevention
Risk Factors/Warning Signs
Risk factors include:
- Mental illness in the individual or their family
- Traumatic events
- Being a military member, first responder or construction worker
- Not having a strong support system
- Substance use
- Bullying
- Social isolation
Warning signs may include:
- Increased isolation
- Talking about being a burden
- Mood swings
- Anxiety or anger
- Expressing hopelessness
- Making comments about “leaving” or “dying”
How to Help Someone Who Is Struggling
Here are some ways you can help with suicide prevention
- If and when you can, reach out to that person at work or school who seems lonely and might need a friend.
- Strengthen bonds with those you feel comfortable with and be vocal about your love and support. Let people know that you are a safe person for them to confide in and are willing to be a person that can open up to.
- If you know someone that you think might be struggling, ask them directly.
- If someone confides in you, help them find support and resources.
- Start with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. They can call or text 988 or join an online chat at 988lifeline.org.
September is Suicide Prevention Month
Suicide Prevention Resources: How to Get Help By Phone, Text and Chat
September is National Suicide Prevention Month and a time to highlight resources and bring hope to those who are fighting suicidal thoughts. There is a lot of stigma around suicide, but it’s important to know that suicidal ideation is common. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that 14.3 million adults and 2.6 million adolescents had serious thoughts of suicide in 2024. The stigma around suicide makes people feel isolated, hopeless, and less likely to get support. In fact, if you’re dealing with a a mental health-related challenge, there is nothing wrong with you, you are not alone, and you deserve help.
Suicide Prevention: Risk Factors, Red Flags and How to Get Help
September is National Suicide Prevention Month and before I get too far into it, I want to acknowledge those of you who have lost someone due to suicide. Death by suicide can be filled with so much stigma, that it can be very hard to grieve their death. For those of us who have lost someone to suicide, we can feel a tremendous amount of survivor’s guilt, which is normal, but we cannot let it consume us. It is important that we try not to spend our time in the past focusing on the “what if’s” – we need to find people we can trust to help us process everything, share our loved one’s story, and, when we are ready, help to educate ourselves and others on suicide prevention techniques.
September is also National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month
Dispelling Myths About Suicide and Substance Abuse
There is a strong connection between mental health and substance misuse: NIDA reports that 50 percent of people with substance use disorder are also managing a mental health issue and vice versa. Whether they’ve been diagnosed or not, people often drink or use drugs to relieve stress or symptoms of mental illness. But using drugs and alcohol to cope usually only has a temporary numbing effect and can end up worsening mental health.
There is a strong relationship between substance misuse and suicide, and it’s not common for people to seek treatment for either. So what can we do about it? Addressing the myths around both conditions may help us be more prepared to support those who need it
The Role of Peer Support in Treating Substance Use
Over 48 million Americans, or almost 17 percent of the population, struggled with a substance use disorder (SUD) in 2024. Only 12 percent of them received treatment for their SUD. The current model of treatment that relies on rehab and 12-step programs does work, but it doesn’t work for everyone. Why don’t people get treatment, and how can we reach them before they hit rock bottom?
IMAP Newsletter
Read our Monthly Insulators Member Assistance Program Newsletter
