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 and All One Health, we are seeking to provide our Brothers and Sisters with the help they need.

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Need Immediate Help From a Professional?

Click the button below if you need immediate help and need to speak with a professional.

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ToolBox Talks

Suicide Prevention

With high industry suicide rates, the jobsite is a good place to begin the conversation to help save lives.
This toolbox talk includes:
  • 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.
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ToolBox Talks

Stress Management and Burnout

According to a 2022 study by the American Psychological Association, 72 percent of U.S. adults have experienced stress so severe that it impacts their health.

This toolbox talk includes:
  • Why it is important to talk about stress management.
  • Questions to facilitate a discussion around stress management.
  • Information on the YouTurn Health program and how to access it.
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The Impact of Stress on Individuals and Businesses

Roughly 80 percent of Construction Workers Experience Stress at Work. From stigma to not knowing how to access care, there are many reasons why men and women do not seek help. Substance use and suicide have a serious impact on the construction industry. This includes workers, as well as businesses and organizations.
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Help to Reduce Stress

Stress, while not the only cause or factor, can play a role in suicidal thoughts. 
  • 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.
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Avoid Burnout

Burnout happens when stress becomes too intense or too chronic. Avoiding burnout means managing your stress by developing a resilience plan. 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”
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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.

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Holiday Stress

More than 14 percent of Construction Workers were Diagnosed with a Substance Use Disorder in the Past Year

The holidays can be a stressful time.

According to the results of an American Psychological Association poll, nearly nine in 10 people (89 percent) say that concerns such as not having enough money, missing loved ones and anticipating family conflict cause them stress during the holidays. When people are overwhelmed with stress, they seek temporary solutions to provide relief, such as over-eating, substance use and spending more time on social media. However, a better way to handle the pressure faced at this time of the year is to focus on stress management. All behavior change starts with effective stress management.

Another way to deal with holiday stress is through positive psychology, which focuses on a person’s strengths instead of waiting for a diagnosis and trying to fix what is “wrong” with them. There are little steps you can take on a daily basis to improve your outlook, decrease stress levels and increase well-being.

While the holiday season can be filled with joy, for many people, it also brings undesired stress that affects their well-being, finances, relationships and more. Discover tips to help you prepare and avoid holiday stress.

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Sober Holidays

Nearly 12 percent of Construction Workers have an Alcohol Use Disorder

For those who are battling an alcohol use disorder, the holidays can be a particularly hard time. YouTurn Health Recovery Coach Team Lead Leigh Huckins put together a podcast to discuss some things that worked for her in early recovery and that she still practices today. These tips can be helpful in maintaining sobriety during the holidays.
Elizabeth McKissick, Youturn Health Director of Communications, has been in recovery for substance use disorder for 16 years. For her, the first holiday in recovery was hard, as she and her family had to abandon beloved family traditions and create new, alcohol-free ones. Read her article on how she rebuilt the holidays around being sober and her advice to those who are going through their first sober holiday season.