Working Together to Prevent Suicide

It’s National Suicide Prevention month in the United States and the best way to address this growing epidemic is having open and transparent dialogue.  Construction is acknowledged as one of the most stressful industries. Builders work long hours in often dangerous conditions and are many times far from home. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, construction has the highest rate of suicide among all industries and that rate has been climbing since 2012.

We are a family company and treat all employees like family. In that spirit what can we do to help prevent suicide?  We must all learn the warnings signs. Sadly, some of us have lost friends, family members, and coworkers to suicide and afterwards have learned about stressors and life challenges that contributed to the person’s hopeless decision to end their own life.  If we can recognize the warning signs, then we can work to build support around the person at risk and provide hope and help.

Suicide most often occurs when stressors and health issues converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair. Starting the conversation, providing support, and directing help to those who need it can prevent suicide and save lives.

Most people who take their own lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do. Warning signs you can watch out for include:

If a person talks about:

• Killing themselves
• Feeling hopeless
• Having no reason to live
• Being a burden to others

If a person begins to:

• Increase/start to use alcohol or drugs
• Withdraw from activities
• Frequently show up late for work or other commitments
• Visit or call people to say goodbye
• Being Aggressive
• Sleep excessively

Please help promote awareness and keep a careful eye out for the warning signs. If you think someone you work with or someone at home may be suicidal we urge you to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or see if your employer, like Gilbane, offers benefits for those struggling with mental illness. Find more information at the National Alliance on Mental Illness.