September 2024: Suicide Prevention Month

September 9-13, 2024: Construction Suicide Prevention Week

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States and Canada, and workers in the construction industry are impacted at rates up to four times higher than the national averages. As North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) President Sean McGarvey said, "We have seen gains in physical safety that were once unimaginable, become the standard for success. It's time to bring the same mindset, resources, and innovation to the issue of mental health and suicide prevention."

In promoting Suicide Prevention Month (September) and Construction Suicide Prevention Week (September 9-13), BAC MAP aims to help reduce the number of deaths by suicide amongst the workforce by shedding light on the scope of the problem, destigmatizing the topic, encouraging early intervention, instilling hope, and sharing critical, life-saving resources.

Suicide is the result of multiple complex and compounding health, personal history, and environmental variables. There is no single cause of suicide that tells a complete story. We know that untreated mental illness, alcohol and substance use disorders, chronic pain, childhood trauma, access to lethal means, and prolonged stress are all examples of risk factors associated with suicide.

Looking at the construction industry across the trades, we consider a male dominated workforce that may be especially harmed by negative attitudes about mental health challenges and treatment. This can further intensify a sense of isolation, hopelessness, and despair for those who are in psychological pain.

Therefore, BAC MAP shares the following message - one that all of our brothers and sisters must hear:

You matter, your mental health matters, and help is available now.

There is a theme that emerges in stories of hope and recovery: to keep going. Relief happens, and healing is possible.

Please click the links you may need:

For additional information and resources, please visit the following links:

Please note the following key phone numbers:

Call 911 if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency.
United States & Canada: Call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) for 24/7 help if you are having thoughts about suicide or are worried about someone you know.

BAC MAP is invested in helping to protect the wellbeing and life force of each of our members, and to make sure every single brother and sister keeps going. With that, we continue to advance efforts in a greater mission of promoting construction workplace mental health through cultures of care, and with psychological safety as a focus. To speak with a licensed mental health professional at BAC MAP during normal business hours, call 1-833-MAP-TALK.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. You may also obtain immediate 24/7 help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988.