MENTAL HEALTH IN CONSTRUCTION

While thinking about what to write in this month's issue, I came across a post in the NARI community forum that I felt needed attention. I had no idea that men in construction die by suicide at a rate nearly four times the general population's national average, and nearly double the total rate of men overall.

Read the full article here.

I have been aware of the high rates of alcoholism and substance use disorders in the industry. Here are some sobering facts:

The Construction Financial Management Association reports that the construction industry has nearly twice the rate of substance abuse as the national average.

• Around 15% of all construction workers in the United States have a substance abuse disorder compared to 8.6% of the general population.

• 12% have an alcohol use disorder compared to 7.5% nationally

• 16.5% of construction workers reported heavy alcohol consumption within the past month, nearly twice the average of all full-time workers

• 11.6% of construction workers reported illicit drug use within the past month

• 14.3% of construction workers were diagnosed with a substance use disorder in the past year, more than 1 ½ times the average of all full-time workers surveyed

• 2.3% have a marijuana use disorder

By now it is well known that we have a problem addressing mental health issues in this country. While it seems to be getting better, we still have a long way to go. At Blue Leaf Design Build, we are committed to the mental health of our employees and contractors and encourage them to be transparent and open with us, so that we can help where needed.

Below are national and state resources. There are many local services as well, and can be found through any of these websites.

SUICIDE HELP

​988 Lifeline SMS: 988	​National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255	National Hopeline Network, Suicide & Crisis Hotline (Chat line available) 1-800-442-HOPE(4673)
Trevor Project: (Chat line available) 866-488-7386	Veterans Crisis Line: (Chat line available) 1-800-273-8255	Colorado Crisis Services: 1-844-493-8255 Text “TALK” to 38255

ALCOHOLISM HELP

National Rehab Hotline 1-866-210-1303	Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcohol Rehab Guide 1-855-545-2861	National Institutes of Health Resources

SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS HELP

SAMHSA National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357) 1-800-487-4889 TTY

National Drug Abuse Hotline 1-844-289-0879 Text "HOME" to 741741

Colorado State Employee Assistance Program Resources