‘Tis the Season for Mental Health Awareness: Producers Can Assist Clients with Suicide Prevention

Given the COVID-19 pandemic with all its attendant impacts, 2020 has been an extraordinary year, challenging the mental wellbeing of just about everyone. Now, the holiday season has arrived, which, for some, can be a difficult season, as it can exacerbate feelings of isolation or stress. In the face of such a year, all need to be aware of ways and resources to preserve psychological wellbeing, such as searching for appropriate information and for safe avenues to find connection and to alleviate stress and fatigue.

People in certain occupations tend to have higher rates of depression and suicide. Unfortunately, workers in the construction field have one of the highest rates of suicide relative to the general population. Such knowledge led NASBP to be among the first organizations to join the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP), which raises awareness about the risk of suicide within the construction industry and provides suicide prevention resources and tools with the goal of creating a zero-suicide industry. As an organization, NASBP has taken the CIASP pledge, STAND Up for suicide prevention, to communicate the importance of being mindful of mental wellbeing by all in the construction industry, and bond producers have an important role to play in making construction firm clients cognizant of suicide prevention programs and resources.

According to CIASP, approximately 10 to 12 suicides a day occur among construction workers. Moreover, an article titled “Suicide prevention in construction more important than ever,” originally published in Construction Dive and included in the September 16 issue of NASBP SmartBrief, related advice from an industry safety expert that the COVID-19 crisis had the potential to exacerbate mental health issues among construction workers. The expert urged management to create a compassionate, caring culture characterized by awareness and frequent communications. With the assistance of CIASP, NASBP produced a two-page flyer that succinctly outlines how to start a discussion with construction clients to evaluate that client’s approach to suicide prevention.  Download and share the flyer, which is available here. Further information about CIASP initiatives and programs are available through NASBP Blogs (posted in April and May) at the NASBP website. CIASP also has developed its own website, https://preventconstructionsuicide.com/, with important information and resources. Tax-deductible donations also can be made to support the work of CIASP through its website.

I truly hope that each of you enjoys a relaxing and safe holiday season, regardless of the continuing challenges posed by the COVID pandemic. Let’s all be especially compassionate to colleagues and clients, and remember to be kind to ourselves!