May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the importance of mental health as an integral, and often overlooked, facet of one’s overall well-being. As an electrical contractor, we recognize the critical need to address mental health issues within the trades.

It’s a common characterization that construction workers have rough and rugged exteriors and are reluctant to discuss personal problems or reach out for help. However, acknowledging vulnerabilities and actively seeking help for sensitive issues, such as mental health and substance abuse, is important no matter what your profession is.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the construction industry has one of the highest rates of suicide, with 6,000 workers dying by suicide in 2022 compared to 1,000 who died from construction-related work injuries. This stark contrast underscores the urgent need for cultural change and proactive measures to support mental health.

Driving Change
Culture is changed by actions. But it starts with confronting how we approach the idea of mental health. Here are key aspects to consider:

• Perspective: Think outside of your viewpoint and recognize that others may have experienced difficult situations that you may not be aware of. Keep in mind that everyone copes with pain differently and shows their emotions differently. There is no one right way of dealing with challenges.
• Empathy: Understand that someone may be struggling. Give them the benefit of the doubt and try to put yourself in their position. Understanding does not mean enabling or looking the other way; it means considering that someone is in a difficult spot and may need help getting out of it in a healthy way.
• Judgment: Unfortunately, mental health still carries a stigma that can be hard to shake off. Avoid assuming you would handle a situation differently or in a better way. You may not know your capacity for emotion until faced with a similar challenge. Remember that you may not have the whole picture or understand all of the details.
• Mindset: Listening to or helping a colleague is another important way of keeping the jobsite safe.
• Fit for Duty: Someone who is aware of their emotions and can address and solve issues, versus pushing them off, is more capable of performing their work duties safely and successfully.
• Focus: Seeking help can improve one’s concentration on jobsite responsibilities.
• Strength: Getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Taking Action
Change your workplace culture and mindset by taking steps to help yourself or your coworkers by:

• Checking In: Take the time to check in with a coworker who may seem disturbed. Don’t push; instead, authentically open the door by asking simple questions and allowing them time to talk.
• Emergency Contacts: Know who to contact in case of an urgent situation.
• Ask for Help: If you are feeling an emotional burden, ask for help.
• Pursue Resources: Many companies, including FZ, offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides confidential counseling and support resources, including hot lines, online support, and local mental health assistance programs. Take time to understand what your company offers and utilize what is offered.

By fostering a supportive and empathetic workplace culture, we can make a significant impact on the mental health and well-being of our colleagues, inside and outside of the construction industry.