Mental Health First Aid
In keeping with this theme, Gilbane will be introducing Mental Health First Aid (MHFA): an early intervention public education program that teaches employees how to recognize the signs and symptoms that suggest a potential mental health challenge, how to listen nonjudgmentally and give reassurance to a person who may be experiencing a mental health challenge, and how to refer a person to appropriate professional support and services.
Most of us would know how to help if we saw someone having a heart attack—we’d start CPR, or at the very least, call 9-1-1. But too few of us would know how to respond if we saw someone having a panic attack or if we were concerned that a friend or co-worker might be showing signs of depression.
MHFA takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use problems by improving understanding and providing an action plan that teaches people to identify and address a potential mental illness or substance use disorder safely and responsibly.
When more people are equipped with the tools they need to start a dialogue, more people can get the help they need. Mental Health First Aiders can even save lives.
- MHFA is help offered to a person experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis.
- MHFA does not supersede any professional, legal, or organizational obligations that a First Aider may be bound to.
- First Aiders do not diagnose, they are a trained resource.
- Scene/situation must be safe for the First Aider, same as traditional 1st aid and CPR efforts.
Issues like substance abuse or depression can cause even the best worker to put others at risk. And less noticeable things like prolonged stress, anxiety, financial concerns, or tension with a family member can cause workers to lose focus. If we connect with and support one another, we can conquer these challenges together.
This week, the Gilbane team will be learning about an action plan called ALGEE, which has five steps listed below and can be used in any order:
- A– Approach, assess for risk of suicide or harm. Try to find a suitable time or place to start the conversation with the person, keeping their privacy and confidentiality in mind. If the person does not want to confide in you, encourage them to talk to someone they trust.
- L – Listen nonjudgmentally. Many people experiencing a challenge or distress want to be heard first, so let the person share without interrupting them. Try to have empathy for their situation. You can get the conversation started by saying something like, “I noticed that …” Try to be accepting, even if you don’t agree with what they are saying.
- G– Give reassurance and information. After someone has shared their experiences and emotions with you, be ready to provide hope and useful facts.
- E – Encourage appropriate professional help. The earlier someone gets help, the better their chances of recovery. So, it’s important to offer to help this person learn more about the options available to them.
- E– Encourage self-help and other support strategies. This includes helping them identify their support network, programs within the community, and creating a personalized emotional and physical self-care plan.
What do you do to stay safe every day?
What do you do to stay connected, supported and safe every day? Share your story as part of the Construction Safety Week 2022 Giveaway for a chance to win $1,000! Submissions will be accepted now through May 5th at 5pm EST. Check out this video for more details. Enter now https://buff.ly/3LFNq4h
About Construction Safety Week
Construction Safety Week is an annual event designed to raise the awareness of the industry’s ongoing commitment to building a culture of safety through sharing best practices, tools and resources at jobsites and offices across the U.S. and Canada. Safety Week was founded by members of The Construction Industry Safety Initiative (CISI) and the Incident & Injury Free Executive Forum (IIF) and now includes 70 of the top contractors in the industry, representing thousands of workers.
Toolbox Talks: Click on the below days to learn more about each day’s offerings
- May 2 – Remain Connected
- May 3 – Be Supported
- May 4 – Stay Safe
- May 5 – Continue Learning (Demonstration Day)
- May 6 – Thank you
Crisis Resources
If you or someone you care about feel overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression or anxiety, or like you want to harm yourself or others, call 911.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 2 for Spanish)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (to connect with a Crisis Counselor)
- Veterans Crisis Line (call, chat or text) 1-800-273-8255, Press 1 or https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
- Crisis Service Canada: 1-833-456-4566
- You can also contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 (TALK) or text “MHFA” to 741-741 to talk to a Crisis Text Line counselor.
