Mental Health Resources
THE NEED TO ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH IN OUR INDUSTRY
The statistics on mental health within the construction industry are alarming. Our sector ranks among the highest for suicide rates across all industries. To safeguard our workers and their families, while also promoting construction as a viable and fulfilling career choice, it is crucial to address and support mental health issues within our firms.
We urge you to take a stand: speak up, reach out, and seek help or offer support to those who need it. Remember, it is okay to not be okay. Together, we can create a healthier and more supportive environment for everyone in the construction industry.
SUICIDE CRISIS LIFELINE
We can all play a part in preventing suicide. The 988 Lifeline offers 24/7, free, and confidential support for individuals in distress. Whether you or a loved one need help, or you're a professional seeking best practices, the Lifeline is here for you with resources and support across the United States.
MENTAL HEALTH & SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCES
Blueprints for Balance: Free Mental Health Webinars
The AGC of Utah is offering its members and their families access to 10 free webinars throughout the year:
- Managing Depression & Anxiety (Available Now)
- Types of Treatment for Mental Health Issues (Available Now)
- Conflict Resolution (Available Now)
- Divorce (Available Now)
- Staying Positive in a Negative Environment (Available Now)
- Power of Self-Talk (August 22nd)
- Burnout (September 26th)
- Social Media with Adults & Kids (October 24th)
- Balancing Finances (November 22st)
- Dating (December 19th)
The topics covered are diverse and relevant to various aspects of life, ensuring there's something for everyone. Whether you're dealing with stress, seeking conflict resolution techniques, aiming to improve you personal finances, or working through relationship or family issues, these webinars are tailored to address your needs. You can view all available webinars here.
Total Safety: New Mental Health Guide for the Construction Industry
The AGC of Utah, in partnership with the Salt Lake Chamber, Utah Community Builders, and the Utah Suicide Prevention Coalition, is proud to announce the release of "Total Safety: A Guide to Resilience and Mental Fitness in the Construction Industry." This guide aims to strengthen the mental fitness culture among Utahns working in construction, an industry with the second-highest suicide rate. The guide is divided into three sections: company leadership, manager training, and worker resources, providing essential tools for fostering mental well-being at all organizational levels.
"Construction is one of the most exciting industries in our country," said Richard Thorn, former President and CEO of AGC Utah. "It can also be an industry with a dark side… it is time to shine a light on how the construction industry can better care for our employees’ mental well-being." The guide encourages leaders to demonstrate a commitment to mental fitness, offers practical manager training through "Toolbox Talks," and provides resources to ensure workers know help is always available.
Safety is integral to any successful construction site, and mental safety is no different. With 86% of employers across industries aiming to enhance employee health and well-being, this guide marks a significant first step for construction companies. This guide can save lives and will have a positive effect on how the construction industry can address these very real and urgent challenges.
Mental Health Cognitive Resilience: Daily Prevention and Intervention Book
Written by Christy Kane PSYD, CMHC and Kari Turner, MBA in collaboration with the AGC of Utah, this book provides insights into mental health statistics within the construction industry, mental health disorders, tips and tools for prevention and intervention, disabilities and more. This book is a reference tool for your firms, employees and families.
Copies of the book are available to purchase from the AGC of Utah. Reach out to our office at (801)-363-2753 or email Parker Davis, Director of communications pdavis@agc-utah.org
AGC's Partnership with VEST EAP
The AGC of Utah is proud to partner with VEST Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to provide our association members with access to comprehensive mental health resources. This partnership underscores our commitment to the well-being and support of our members in the construction industry. VEST EAP offers a range of services designed to address the mental health needs of employees, including counseling, crisis intervention, and wellness programs. Their professional team is dedicated to helping individuals navigate personal and work-related challenges, ensuring a healthier and more productive workforce. Through this collaboration, AGC of Utah members can access valuable mental health support, promoting a positive and resilient work environment.
Additionally, VEST EAP hosts a monthly Lunch & Learn titled "Mental Health and Resilience for your Employees". At this event we dive into the importance of creating a healthy workplace culture with strong employee relationships. In today's environment, this goal is more crucial yet more challenging than ever before.
Our special focus will be on VEST, an innovative solution that can supplement or replace traditional Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Unlike standard EAPs, which often go underutilized and fail to provide necessary support, VEST EAP delivers proactive training and support on both cultural and individual levels. This approach enhances psychological safety, increases EAP engagement, and boosts overall well-being and productivity.
For more information about VEST EAP and their services, please visit VEST EAP.
QPR Suicide Prevention Training (Question, Persuade and Refer)
The QPR mission is to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training. The signs of crisis are all around us. We believe that quality education empowers all people, regardless of their background, to make a positive difference in the life of someone they know. Just like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to someone in crisis and can save lives. QPR is the most widely taught Gatekeeper training in the world.
The AGC of Utah offers a two hour course on QPR Suicide Prevention Training. After the training, participants should be able to:
1. Recognize someone at risk for suicide.
2. Demonstrate increased knowledge of intervention skills.
3. Describe knowledge of referral resources and how to refer someone to help.
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid is an eight hour course that takes place over two days and teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.
Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis. In the Mental Health First Aid course, you learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help for:
- Depression and mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Trauma
- Psychosis
- Substance Use disorders
Mental Health First Aid teaches about recovery and resiliency – the belief that individuals experiencing these challenges can and do get better, and use their strengths to stay well.
AGC National Resources
With an AGC of Utah membership comes a membership with AGC National Association. They are committed to addressing the on-going mental health crisis within the construction industry. A few of their resources have been listed below. For more information and resources, visit AGC National's Mental Health Webpage.