Mental Health Matters - It's Okay to not be Okay

Mental Health Matters – It’s Okay to not be Okay

Let’s talk about something that’s not always visible—but just as important as PPE and fall protection: your mental health.

What does “Mental Health Matters” mean to you?

Have you or someone you care about been struggling with mental health? Maybe you’ve been feeling down, overwhelmed, or stuck in a cycle of anxious thoughts. Perhaps a co-worker or loved one isn’t acting like themselves—sleeping too much, showing up late, or, on the other hand, talking too fast and unable to sit still. These can all be signs that someone is struggling with their mental health.

You’re not alone, I want to share what “Mental Health Matters” means to me.

Mental health is personal for me.  Two of my family members including my youngest brother died by suicide. Looking back, the signs were there—withdrawal from family and friends. Lack of interest in activities they once loved, excessive sleeping, and in one case, substance and alcohol misuse. Since their passing, I have taken mental health much more seriously. Recognizing these signs and encouraging early intervention is key. With access to support, therapy and medication when deemed necessary by a health care professional, we can manage our mental health more effectively and go on to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

What “Mental Health Matters” Means to me at Hudson Bay

I started my career at Hudson Bay as a first-year apprentice and was a member of Local 7. It didn’t take long for me to understand what the true meaning of brotherhood was, and the responsibility to look out for one another. Here at Hudson Bay that lesson stayed with me. When I became aware of the staggering suicide rates in the construction industry, I knew my mission wasn’t just focused on job site injuries; it’s also about looking out for our mental well-being. Our safety goes beyond hard hats and harnesses, it includes mental health, too.

We all face challenges—balancing work, family, relationships, finances, and the constant stress of life. As construction workers we work in a tough industry. Long hours, tight deadlines, physical demands, time away from family, and job instability can all weigh on us heavily. It’s no surprise that construction workers are among the highest at risk for suicide—but this is something we can change.

Mental health should be taken just as seriously as any other job site hazard or medical condition. If we have high blood pressure or diabetes, we get treatment. If we are working on a leading edge we wear fall protection, the same should hold true for our mental health—sometimes our brain needs help to find balance.

The truth is, someone you know is struggling—even if you don’t realize it. But help is available, and things can and will get better. Reaching out for help, speaking with a trained professional, and finding the right support can make a world of difference.

Let’s Look at the Facts:

OSHA’s “Fatal Four” (Falls, Struck-by, Caught-in/between, and Electrocution) are responsible for hundreds of deaths a year in construction. But suicide takes more construction workers’ lives than all of OSHA’s Fatal Four combined. In fact, construction has one of the highest suicide rates of any industry in the U.S. That’s about 5 times higher than the national average. We all take steps to protect ourselves from physical dangers—let’s start doing the same for our mental health.

Why Is This Happening in Our Industry?

• Stigma – “Tough it out” or “Real men don’t cry” attitudes.
• Lack of resources or knowing where to turn.
• Chronic pain or injuries.
• Substance and alcohol misuse.
• Isolation, especially for those who travel for work or are far from loved ones.
• Job stress, uncertainty, and financial pressure.
• Bullying, name-calling, harassment, or mistreating others based on job status or a perceived reputation that may not be accurate.

What Does Struggling Look Like?

Mental health struggles don’t always look the same, but here are some warning signs to watch for:

• Withdrawing from others.
• Increased anger or irritability.
• Showing up late or missing work often.
• Talking about feeling hopeless or like a burden.
• Risky behavior or substance abuse.
• Sudden changes in mood or behavior.

What Should You Do If You Notice These Signs?

• Check in. A simple “Hey, you good?” can go a long way.
• Let them know they’re not alone. It’s okay to say, “I care about you and I’m here if you need anything.” You don’t have to fix it, just listen.
• Provide resources if possible and encourage them to reach out to a family member, supervisor, HR, mental health professional, or their primary care doctor.

Getting Help for Yourself: If you’re struggling—it’s not a weakness. It’s human. Did you know genetics can increase a person’s vulnerability to develop a mental health condition.

• Talk to someone.
• Use available resources. (see links below)
• Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Free, confidential, 24/7 help. The link is also listed on the LMS.
• You are not alone. Things can and will get better especially when we get help and look out for each other.

Resources available through your Local:

International Member Assistance Program (IMAP) (Heat and Frost Insulators & Allied Workers)

All One Health (Heat and Frost Insulators & Allied Workers)

Local 36 offers an EAP Program  through First Choice Health or by calling 1 (800) 777-4114

Carpenters Assistance Program (CCAP)  Download the App: GuidanceNow^SM or by calling 1 (833) 792-2271

These free services are available to all members and their families and provide a range of support services. This includes counseling, mental health support, drug and alcohol referrals, financial planning, work-life solutions such as childcare, home repair, pet sitting, and various other assistance programs and referral services. You can find more details in the links provided.

Local 7 provides inpatient rehabilitation services through Aetna at 80% coverage in-network and 70% out-of-network.

Join on Thursdays 8pm ET for the Heat & Frost Recovery Group ZOOM ID 232 344 0706

Other Helpful Resources – Free, confidential, 24/7/365

Rethinking Drinking

NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator 

National Institute of Mental Health

Psychology Today

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration or 1 (800) 662 HELP (4357)

Remember This!

Big thanks to everyone who shared resources available through their Locals. Because of you, someone might get the resources they need. If we can help even one person, we have done something good for our brothers and sisters. We are currently working to add these resources under PDF Downloads on the LMS. In the meantime, you can access them anytime through the new Toolbox Talk calendar system!