Construction faces a crisis. Unfortunately, construction ranks as first or second on lists as one of the industries with the highest incidents of suicide.

Fortunately, the construction industry isn’t sitting idle. They’ve created many programs to support and come alongside all in the industry. I spoke to many different representatives from the industry about this topic to learn more. There was one name that was consistently mentioned as an expert working toward improvements in how mental health impacts construction, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas.

Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas is a clinical psychologist, inspirational international speaker and an impact entrepreneur. She currently serves as the president of United Suicide Survivors International.

Dr. Sally and I discuss:
Why construction and similar industries struggle with mental health and suicide.
Ways employers can create environments that foster improved mental health in their teams.
How to have conversations with your friends/peers about your own and their mental health.  

Thank you for listening and please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite app.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. 

Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741. Every person who texts is connected with a crisis counselor who is trained to listen and  offer sound advice 24/7 (Free and Confidential)

YouTube Version: https://youtu.be/bifaDXKThB4 

To get a hold of us here at Keepin’ The Lights On, please email: podcast@graybar.com

To reach Dr. Sally on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallyspencerthomas/

Dr. Sally’s website: https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/

Headspace for the Workplace Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/headspace-for-the-workplace-with-dr-sally/id1662373539

Hope Illuminated Podcast: https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast

Thank you to all the following for input as I developed this show:
(Organization names are for reference only and where the individuals worked at the time I spoke with them. The organization name is not meant to imply endorsement of this episode or the podcast.  All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names,trademarks and brands does not imply endorsement.)

Chandler Brooks (Procore): https://www.linkedin.com/in/chandlerbrooks/
Ashley Logan (Procore)
Shaelyn McHugh (Procore)
Sasha Reed (Procore)
Wes Wheeler (NECA): https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesley-wheeler-sms-cescp-msp-99278452/ Alex Kopp (TAUC): https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexmkopp/
Justin Crandol (SMACNA): https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-crandol-csp-arm-cris-23900711/ Brandon Anderson (AGC of Missouri): https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-anderson-80b816110/ Justin Azbill (Milwaukee Tools): https://www.linkedin.com/in/azbill-justin/
Raffi Elchemmas (MCAA): https://www.linkedin.com/in/raffielch/

RESOURCES
Get Construction Talking: https://www.getconstructiontalking.org/

Kevin Hines: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinhinesstory/
Kevin Hines’ story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-lkZG7IYeQ&rco=1

MCAA Mental Health Awareness Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5c1rY9FZVOY

SMACNA Resources: https://www.smacna.org/resources/business-management/safety-and-health/mental-health-substance-abuse

www.Mantherapy.org

National guidelines for Workplace Suicide Prevention: https://suicidology.org

Construction Alliance for Suicide Prevention – Construction Industry Blueprint www.constructionworkingminds.org

http://www.workplacesuicideprevention.com

United Suicide Survivors International

https://preventconstructionsuicide.com/

ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) Total Human Health page: https://www.abc.org/Safety/Total-Human-Health