September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Each September since 2020, the construction industry has aimed to raise awareness about the unique challenges workers face in construction, how it can lead to suicide, and what we can do to prevent it through Construction Suicide Prevention Week, held during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
While the factors that lead to suicide are complex, research shows that loneliness could put someone at a greater risk for suicidal behavior, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs via a paper published in 2022 and Dr. Thomas Joiner’s interpersonal theory of suicide. Employment is just one way in which people can form community, and this year’s Construction Suicide Prevention Week theme focuses on just that:
Every day, construction workers build roads, homes, bridges, schools, churches and so much more. They build places of connection … for others. But in building for others, they can also build community for one another.
During Construction Suicide Prevention Week 2025, we’re asking everyone in the industry to build community by checking in with colleagues, friends, family or even the guy or gal next to you in line at the store. Reach out and ask how someone is doing, then really listen to the answer. Let them know you care and they have a community to lean on when times are tough.
Think about ways you want people to show up for you, then be that person to those around you.
Safe Workplace. Good Headspace.
Find these resources and more at ConstructionSuicidePrevention.com
Many factors cause stress. What can we do?
Employers can:
- Create a judgement-free, shame-free workplace.
- Be transparent.
- Provide access to mental health resources (e.g., workplace, state, federal programs).
- Encourage workers to seek help when needed.
- Train managers and supervisors to recognize and talk about mental health and substance use.
Workers can:
- Talk with coworkers and supervisors about workplace stress.
- Share ideas about reducing workplace stress with management.
- Take advantage of existing mental health resources.
- Ask for help when needed.
Together, employers and workers can:
- Talk openly about workplace stress and collaborate in identifying solutions.
- Monitor one another and talk about mental health concerns.
— Learn the signs and symptoms of distress, including substance use and risk factors for suicide.
— Watch for changes in attitudes and behaviors.
— Tell someone if a person’s signs or symptoms worry you.
Reducing workplace stress benefits everyone through:
- Enhanced quality of life
- Lower blood pressure
- Stronger immune system
- Better sleep
- More positive outlook
- Increased productivity
- Improved morale
- Fewer sick days
- Better focus
- Fewer workplace injuries
The Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) will host a virtual learning opportunity on Sept. 11 focused on mental wellness and suicide prevention in the construction industry.
Hard Hats & Heavy Burdens: Mental Wellness in Construction will bring together voices from across the construction community—including individuals with lived experience, clinical expertise, and those leading the charge in building cultures of care within their organizations.
