Mental Health

In this union, no one fights alone.

Our regional council is dedicated to improving the mental well-being of our members and the industry as a whole. In an effort to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in construction, we have launched a mental health and suicide prevention initiative. Our initiative will focus heavily on early intervention, encouraging our members to be more aware of recognizing the signs of someone who may be struggling on the job and providing support before it is too late. We all have the opportunity and responsibility to create a workplace safety culture where everyone feels valued, supported, and heard.

 

Did you know:

Statistics Related to the Construction Industry
  • Nationally, construction has the second-highest suicide rate among industries.
    • 2021 data: ranking second after mining and extraction.
    • Another source reports a rate of 53.2 suicides per 100,000, roughly 4x the national average and 5x other construction fatalities combined.
  • CDC data shows male construction workers have a suicide rate of 56 per 100,000 in 2021, compared to 32 per 100,000 across all industries.
  • Around 6,000 construction workers died by suicide in 2022 (~50 per 100,000 male; ~25 per 100,000 female.) Source
  • Nearly 1 in 6 U.S. construction workers reported anxiety or depression in 2021, with 14.5% experiencing anxiety and 6.2% depression. Only 4.8% saw a mental health professional, meaning 84% of those suffering did not get professional support. Source
  • A 2022 study found 29.6% of male construction workers had psychological distress (23.8% moderate, 5.8% severe) and 2.5% reported suicidal ideation in the past year.
  • About 15.4% of construction workers suffer from alcohol or substance use disorder annually, versus 8.6% in the general adult population. Source 
  • Construction workers are 7x more likely to die of an opioid overdose, account for the highest opioid overdose death rates, and make up ~25% of overdose fatalities among all occupation groups. Source

KNOW THE SIGNS

Recognizing the signs of someone who may be struggling can be life-saving. Here are common signs to be familiar with while on and off the job.

  • Increased absenteeism or tardiness.
  • Declining performance.
  • Risk-taking or unsafe behaviors.
  • Withdrawing from co-workers.
  • Irritability, anger, or mood swings.
  • Appearing emotionally overwhelmed.
  • Expressing hopelessness or helpnessless.
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
  • Excessive worry or fear.

 

  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
  • Joking about suicide or death.
  • Statements about being a burden.
  • Mentioning chronic stress or burnout.
  • Frequent complaints of fatigue, headaches, or body aches.
  • Neglecting personal hygiene or appearance.
  • Going through a major life change.
  • Talking about injury or inability to work.
  • Using substances to "cope."

Mental Health Support

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, are worried about someone you know or just need to talk, contact any of the following support resources.
  • 911 If you or a loved one is in immediate physical danger, call 911. It is important to notify the operator that it is a mental health emergency and to request police officers trained in crisis intervention. Call 911
    988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here. At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.

    Call or text 988

    Chat online www.988lifeline.org
    Veterans Crisis Lifeline If you're a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, the Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that connects you to a real person specially trained to support Veterans.

    Call 988 then press 1

    Text 838255

    Chat online www.veteranscrisisline.net
    TEAM TEAM offers you and your family short-term counseling services over the phone, via Zoom video, or in person - free as part of your benefits plan. TEAM counselors work with a variety of issues, including Alcohol and Drug Problems, Depression/Anxiety, Behavioral Concerns, Relationship Challenges, Family/Parenting Issues, Grief and Loss, Stress Management, and Job-Related Difficulties. Call 1-800-634-7710

    Disaster Distress Helpline

    		 The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is a national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counceling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to all residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-casued disasters.

    Call or text 1-800-985-5990
    National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) The NAMI HelpLine is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public. The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Mon-Fri, 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. ET.

    Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

    Text 'NAMI' to 741741

    www.nami.org
    National Domestic Violence Hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence so they can live their lives free of abuse. Highly-trained, expert advocates offer free, confidential, and compassionate support, crisis intervention information, education, and referral services in over 200 languages.

    Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

    Text 'START' to 88788

    Chat online www.thehotline.org
    National Sexual Assault Hotline RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violance organization. They provide 24/7, free, and confidential support to help survivors.

    Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

    Chat online www.rainn.org
    Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) SAMHSA is a free, confidential and 24/7 national hotline that offers treatment referrals and information services for individuals and families facing mental health and/or substance use disorders. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
    The Trevor Project Crisis counselors at The Trevor Project are trained to answer calls, chats, or texts from LGBTQ+ young peopple who reach out on their free, confidential and secure 24/7 service when they are struggling with issues such as coming out, LGBTQ+ identity, depression, and suicide.

    Call 1-866-488-7386

    Text 'START' to 678678

    Chat online www.thetrevorproject.org
    Trans Lifeline Trans Lifeline connects trans people to the community support and resources needed to survive and thrive.

    Call 877-656-8860

    www.translife.org

     

  • 911 If you or a loved one is in immediate physical danger, call 911. It is important to notify the operator that it is a mental health emergency and to request police officers trained in crisis intervention. Call 911
    988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here. At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.

    Call or text 988

    Chat online www.988lifeline.org
    TEAM TEAM offers you and your family short-term counseling services over the phone, via Zoom video, or in person - free as part of your benefits plan. TEAM counselors work with a variety of issues, including Alcohol and Drug Problems, Depression/Anxiety, Behavioral Concerns, Relationship Challenges, Family/Parenting Issues, Grief and Loss, Stress Management, and Job-Related Difficulties. Call 1-800-634-7710

    Your Life Iowa

    		 When you don't know who to turn to about a problem with alcohol, drugs, gambling, suicidal thoughts or mental health, Your Life Iowa is here for you 24/7. They provide free, confidential support and connect you to resources meant to help you get your life back on track.

    Call 855-581-8111

    Text 855-895-8398

    Chat online www.yourlifeiowa.org
    Iowa Crisis Chat Iowa Crisis Chat is a volunteer-driven organization that provides non-judgmental support for individuals facing emotional crisis. Their highly trained volunteers and staff are available from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m. CT, seven days a week. If it is outside of the hours of operation, the link will connect you to Your Life Iowa's 24/7 chat.

    Call 1-855-325-4296

    Chat online www.iowacrisischat.org

     

  • 911 If you or a loved one is in immediate physical danger, call 911. It is important to notify the operator that it is a mental health emergency and to request police officers trained in crisis intervention. Call 911
    988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here. At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.

    Call or text 988

    Chat online www.988lifeline.org
    TEAM TEAM offers you and your family short-term counseling services over the phone, via Zoom video, or in person - free as part of your benefits plan. TEAM counselors work with a variety of issues, including Alcohol and Drug Problems, Depression/Anxiety, Behavioral Concerns, Relationship Challenges, Family/Parenting Issues, Grief and Loss, Stress Management, and Job-Related Difficulties. Call 1-800-634-7710

    Mobile Crisis Mental Health Services

    		 Mobile crisis services are teams of mental health professionals and practitioners who provide psychiatric services to individuals within their own homes and at other sites outside the traditional clinical setting. Mobile crisis services provide for a rapid response and will work to assess the individual, resolve crisis situations, and link people to needed services.

    Mobile health crisis phone numbers are listed by county.
    FastTrackerMN.org FastTrackerMN.org is a dynamic behavioral health search tool that gives Minnesotans access to real time information and availability. It improves connections for individuals and collaboration for systems. Whether you're searching for yourself, a loved one, a patient, or looking for general information, this is your place to start. www.fasttrackermn.org

     

  • 911 If you or a loved one is in immediate physical danger, call 911. It is important to notify the operator that it is a mental health emergency and to request police officers trained in crisis intervention. Call 911
    988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here. At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.

    Call or text 988

    Chat online www.988lifeline.org
    TEAM TEAM offers you and your family short-term counseling services over the phone, via Zoom video, or in person - free as part of your benefits plan. TEAM counselors work with a variety of issues, including Alcohol and Drug Problems, Depression/Anxiety, Behavioral Concerns, Relationship Challenges, Family/Parenting Issues, Grief and Loss, Stress Management, and Job-Related Difficulties. Call 1-800-634-7710

     

  • 911 If you or a loved one is in immediate physical danger, call 911. It is important to notify the operator that it is a mental health emergency and to request police officers trained in crisis intervention. Call 911
    988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here. At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.

    Call or text 988

    Chat online www.988lifeline.org
    TEAM TEAM offers you and your family short-term counseling services over the phone, via Zoom video, or in person - free as part of your benefits plan. TEAM counselors work with a variety of issues, including Alcohol and Drug Problems, Depression/Anxiety, Behavioral Concerns, Relationship Challenges, Family/Parenting Issues, Grief and Loss, Stress Management, and Job-Related Difficulties. Call 1-800-634-7710

     

  • 911 If you or a loved one is in immediate physical danger, call 911. It is important to notify the operator that it is a mental health emergency and to request police officers trained in crisis intervention. Call 911
    988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here. At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.

    Call or text 988

    Chat online www.988lifeline.org
    TEAM TEAM offers you and your family short-term counseling services over the phone, via Zoom video, or in person - free as part of your benefits plan. TEAM counselors work with a variety of issues, including Alcohol and Drug Problems, Depression/Anxiety, Behavioral Concerns, Relationship Challenges, Family/Parenting Issues, Grief and Loss, Stress Management, and Job-Related Difficulties. Call 1-800-634-7710

     

  • 911 If you or a loved one is in immediate physical danger, call 911. It is important to notify the operator that it is a mental health emergency and to request police officers trained in crisis intervention. Call 911
    988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here. At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.

    Call or text 988

    Chat online www.988lifeline.org
    TEAM TEAM offers you and your family short-term counseling services over the phone, via Zoom video, or in person - free as part of your benefits plan. TEAM counselors work with a variety of issues, including Alcohol and Drug Problems, Depression/Anxiety, Behavioral Concerns, Relationship Challenges, Family/Parenting Issues, Grief and Loss, Stress Management, and Job-Related Difficulties. Call 1-800-634-7710

     

Toolbox Talks

2025 Monthly Toolbox Talks Handouts

Toolbox Talks

2024 Monthly Toolbox Talks Handouts

Resource Materials
File
What Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Looks Like
Safe Messaging Around Mental Health and Suicide
NAMI Warning Signs Fact Sheet
NAMI You Are Not Alone Fact Sheet
NAMI Suicide Fact Sheet
NAMI Mental Health Care Matters Fact Sheet
NAMI How to Help Someone You Know Fact Sheet
NAMI Mental Health in Rural America
NAMI 2020 Mental Health Fact Sheet
Iowa State Fact Sheet
Minnesota State Fact Sheet
Nebraska State Fact Sheet
North Dakota State Fact Sheet
South Dakota State Fact Sheet
Wisconsin State Fact Sheet