ARE YOU AT RISK?

SUICIDE: KNOW THE SIGNS

There’s no single cause of suicide, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. It most often occurs when stress and health issues converge to create feelings of hopelessness and despair.


Recognizing warning signs—through conversations, social media posts or changes in behavior—may help determine if someone you know is struggling.


If you or someone you know has exhibited one or more of these signs and is at immediate risk of suicide, get help now.


988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. That could be thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org both for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

RECOGNIZE the RISK FACTORS


A combination of environmental, health, historical, and occupational factors can increase the risk of suicide. Conditions like depression, anxiety and substance problems, especially when left untreated, increase the risk for suicide. 


According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, employees in the construction industry are at the highest risk for suicide among all industries. If you work in the construction industry, it is especially important to keep the risk factors in mind.

HAVE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW EXHIBITED ONE OR MORE WARNING SIGNS?


  • Feeling sad or depressed most of the time
  • Talking about feeling trapped or wanting to die
  • Extreme mood swings
  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs
  • Decreased self-confidence
  • Feeling hopeless and helpless
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Feeling anxious, agitated or reckless
  • Withdrawing from family and friends
  • Talking about being a burden to others


WARNING SIGNS SPECIFIC TO CONSTRUCTION WORKERS INCLUDE


  • Decreased productivity
  • Increased conflict among co-workers
  • Near hits, incidents and injuries
  • Decreased problem-solving ability
  • Increased tardiness and absenteeism


Mindwise screening


Take a Behavioral Health Screening and Encourage Employees to Get Screened


Millions of workers are affected by mental health and substance use issues every year, costing the U.S. economy billions of dollars due to increased workplace absenteeism, worker turnover and disability costs. Identifying behavioral health challenges by taking a mental health screening leads to improved health and reduced healthcare costs.


By encouraging your employees to take a brief, anonymous online screening, you’re helping them gain a deeper awareness of their mental health and empowering them to seek support. Screenings give your employees an opportunity to check in on their behavioral health, connect to local resources and work towards recovery. Ensuring the good mental health of your workforce is critical.


Launch a Customized Screening Site for Your Employees


You can customize your own screening site for your employees with the MindWise Screening program. Starting your own program enables you to tailor your site to match your business’s branding and gives you access to anonymous reporting data to learn about behavioral health trends within your workplace.


Most importantly, you will empower your employees to take control of their behavioral health by completing a short questionnaire and accessing local resources. Early identification of mental health or substance use challenges leads to improved health and reduced cost.


Invest in the behavioral health of your employees. Visit mindwise.org or call the MindWise Screening team at 781-329-0071.


Share by: