September 9-13 is Construction Suicide Prevention Week, which occurs during National Suicide Prevention Month. The construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates of any profession. Multiple factors contribute to this, including long working hours, time away from family and friends, a culture that doesn’t discuss problems, seasonal layoffs, injuries that may lead to substance use problems, stigma around mental health care, and more.
When we think about safety, we often think about avoiding accidents and injuries at the workplace. But safety is more than that. We want everyone to be safe at work and at home. Asking for help is a sign of strength. Trying to “white knuckle” your way through depression, anxiety, substance use, and other issues isn’t healthy. If you are struggling, you are not alone, it is not your fault, and there is nothing to be ashamed of. Local 4 offers resources to address your wellbeing, including your mental health needs. Our employee assistance program, Lyra Health, offers educational articles, coaching and therapy. Local 4 members covered under the Health and Welfare Plan are eligible for 8 free sessions of coaching and therapy per plan year at no cost, after that a $15 copayment applies. Contact Lyra at 844-926-2482 or click on Lyra Health. You can also obtain mental health services through Blue Cross Blue Shield in-network providers with a $15 copayment. To find a therapist, login at the Blue Cross Blue Shield site at MyBlue Healthcare Insurance Plan | Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (bluecrossma.org) or contact Blue Cross Blue Shield at 888-389-7764 Monday through Friday from 8:30-4:30. The attached flyer provides information if you have concerns about alcohol or drug use Local-4-Substance-Use-Factsheet.pdf (local4funds.org)
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 911 or to the nearest emergency room. If you are thinking about suicide or if you have a friend, family member or coworker who are you are concerned about, contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also chat online at 988lifeline.org.
Additional crisis resources are listed here.
