With a suicide rate that is four times greater than the national average, the construction industry is facing a crisis. In 2018, the CDC released an updated study of suicides by occupation. Construction had the most suicides and the second highest rate of suicides of all the industries. That rate is four times greater than the national average and five times greater than that of all other construction fatalities combined. This affects us all.
WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS?
Warning signs may help you determine if someone is at risk for suicide. If you know someone who exhibits any of the signs below it is time to seek help:
TALKING ABOUT...
Wanting to die
Great guilt and shame
Feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain
Being a burden to others
Saying goodbye
FEELING...
Empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live
Extremely sad, more anxious, or agitated
Unbearable emotional and/or physical pain
Lonely
CONCERNING BEHAVIORS
Making a plan or researching ways to die
Taking dangerous risks or acting reckless
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
Acting anxious or agitated
Sleeping too little or too much
Withdrawing from friends and family
Displaying extreme mood swings
Giving away important items
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS?
Risk factors do not cause or predict a suicide. Rather, they are characteristics that make it more likely that an individual will consider, attempt or die by suicide. It is important to be aware of these risk factors when supporting others:
Mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety
Alcohol and other substance use disorders
Previous suicide attempt or family history of suicide
History of trauma
Major physical or chronic illnesses
Recent job or financial loss
Recent loss of relationship
Easy access to lethal means
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
By promoting resilience and connection with others during a mental health emergency, you can help lessen the likelihood of suicidal behaviors. If you or a loved one are considering suicide, establish protective factors by taking the actions below:
GETTING HELP
Suicide is preventable! Seeking help is the first step. We share this information to promote our IIF Culture. We need everyone to care for one another. It’s not enough to focus on getting people home safely at the end of a shift. For at-risk employees it’s sometimes more important to get employees back to work safely from home. Using the resources shown can help save a life.