Trend in Focus

Suicide prevention in the trades

It’s time to make mental health a priority

September is Suicide Prevention Month—a time to raise awareness of this serious and preventable public health concern. The concern is especially great for those in the construction trades which, according to the CDC, has the second highest suicide rate of all industries.

Why are those in the trades so vulnerable?

According to Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas, president of United Suicide Survivors International and lead author on the National Guidelines for Workplace Suicide Prevention, a lot of factors put construction workers at risk.

“First, males account for 70–80% of all suicides,” she says. “Because construction is so male dominated, the numbers skew high for the industry. Second, the industry has a culture of stoicism. Workers project an ‘I got this’ attitude, even when things are challenging. While that may serve them well at work, it’s not helpful when dealing with mental health issues like depression, stress or addiction. Over time, that attitude actually compounds things as it discourages asking for help.”

In addition, Spencer-Thomas notes, many in the trades turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with stress. Problems arise when occasional use escalates to a substance use disorder which, in turn, can lead to family problems, financial trouble, legal issues—including DUIs, etc. Substance use disorders can also emerge when the physical toll of the trades leads to chronic pain. “Even today,” says Spencer-Thomas, “opiate-based drugs are the most typically prescribed medication for this type of pain. The window for addiction with these medications is very small. Unfortunately, longtime misuse or the use of other drugs just puts another layer of stress and challenge on individuals who are already struggling. It’s easy to understand how all those layers can begin to feel unmanageable.”

How YOU can help

When it comes to helping those struggling with mental health issues, Spencer-Thomas emphasizes that there is a role for everyone. “From coworkers and managers to owners and peers, everyone is in a position to help.”

She encourages businesses to begin by creating a culture of caring. “From eliminating any hazing activities and creating self-screening opportunities to training supervisors and peers on how to recognize and support those in trouble … every action sends a message that the workplace is a safe space where individuals can deal with mental health issues as openly as they might a physical health issue like diabetes or migraines.”

A message from a pro who has been there

Now retired, Bob Swanson spent 45 years in the painting industry, 25 as president of Swanson & Youngdale in Minneapolis. But it wasn’t until he lost his own son to suicide that he began to recognize problematic signs in his crews.

“My son Michael dealt with mental health issues throughout his adult life. I knew firsthand what the struggle looked like but, for whatever reason, I never looked at my employees through the same lens,” says Swanson. “But after he died, a switch went on in me. I really started to listen to the answer people gave when I asked, ‘How are you doing?’ I started to recognize that those who answered, ‘Living the dream’ were often hiding something. I learned to dig deeper and ask what they meant by that, and encouraged them to share their struggles.”

In addition, Swanson began to recognize and respond differently to troubling behaviors. “In the past, if someone blew up at others or if the quality of their work dropped, I’d have said, ‘Get your act together or I’ll need to let you go.’ After Michael’s death, I responded by pulling the person aside and saying, ‘You’re not on you’re A-game, and I need you to be there. Let’s talk about what’s going on.’ By changing my response, I changed the outcome, and I kept a lot of really good employees who I might have laid off before.” In short order, Swanson’s team came to appreciate that the company was truly interested in their well-being. Eventually, mental health became a part of the company’s regular safety talks.

“All mental illnesses are treatable,” says Swanson. “There are a lot of resources available to help businesses of all sizes address the issue, many free or inexpensive. Even if it costs you some money, it’s an expense you won’t regret making—but you might regret not making.”