The Why
One call. One text. One conversation. One person. All it takes is one action of outreach to completely change the outcome.
The construction industry has the second-highest suicide rate of all industries. In a physically and mentally demanding profession, all too often one of the most important aspects of our wellbeing can fall to the wayside: mental health.
Stigma prevents 40 percent of people with anxiety or depression from seeking help, according to the Associated General Contractors of America. As a result, stigma can cause an individual’s condition to worsen. Having an understanding approach, staying informed and knowing which actions to take could save a life.
At JE Dunn, we want to get rid of the stigma surrounding suicide. From the moment they’re hired, every employee is automatically covered by Lyra, a mental health resource that offers coaching, therapy, and additional, confidential mental health support. We want to help our employees, trade partners, and families start the conversation today to Speak Up for Suicide Prevention. Not sure where to begin? See below for more information on how suicide affects our industry.
The Stats
Up to 25% of the U.S. population experiences mental illness at any given time, and nearly two-thirds of people with diagnosable mental disorders do not seek treatment.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more construction workers die from suicide each year than every other workplace-related fatality combined.
Five times as many workers – more than 5,000 – die by suicide annually than from OSHA’s fatal four. That compares to about 1,000 fatalities a year from physical injuries on the job.
A survey on mental health in the construction industry by Equipment World found that 73% of respondents knew someone who had died by suicide and 46% know someone who survived a suicide attempt.
Employee Experiences
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, workers in construction face higher suicide rates compared to nearly every other industry. At JE Dunn, we recognize the severity of these statistics and want to address the mental health challenges that our employees may face through open communication and support.
To normalize these difficult conversations and spread awareness regarding suicide in the construction industry, we asked our employees for their input. Together, we created this commemorative graphic to represent our employees’ connections to this cause during Suicide Prevention Week, to educate and bring awareness.
Each color represents a different employee’s connection to this issue. Together, we are actively Speaking Up for Suicide Prevention, one employee at a time.
The Stories
Despite an estimated one in five U.S. adults experiencing mental illness each year, few are willing to talk about what they are going through. Shame, fear and guilt can make it difficult for individuals to speak up and share with others.
However, time and again it is shown that when one person is willing to share their experience – even anonymously – it gives others the courage to speak up and opens the door to more healing conversations.
Hear first-hand from a few JE Dunn employees that were struggling and sought help:
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
The Lifeline is available 24/7, 365 days a year across the United States.
