For more than 20 years, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has recognized Mental Health Awareness Month every May to increase awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being and provide resources and information to support individuals and communities who may need mental health support.
Construction has one of the highest suicide rates of any industry, and this can be attributed to factors such as long hours, difficult completion schedules, job-related risks of serious injuries and mental health often being stigmatized. Some construction companies have begun investing in initiatives focused on mental health, offering resources that support employees and talking about mental health to destigmatize the topic.
For Construction Pros shares the following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to help prevent suicide.
- Create protective environments through healthy organizational policies and culture.
- Improve access and delivery of suicide care; for example, increase provider availability and access to rapid and remote help.
- Promote healthy peer norms to remove the stigma of asking for help or care.
- Teach coping and problem-solving skills; for example, support social-emotional learning programs.
- Prevent future risk by providing support for those bereaved or affected by suicide.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers resources and tools for Mental Health Awareness Month. Learn more.
Did you know NRCA offers mental health resources? Visit NRCA's Mental Health webpage to learn more.
