During Construction Suicide Prevention Week (September 9 – 13, 2024) Building Futures and the RI Building and Construction Trades Council teamed up to make sure that RI tradeswomen and men know, we’ve got your back. Thank you to Gilbane, Shawmut, and Dimeo for bringing Building Futures to jobsites around Rhode Island. Together, we reached over 500 workers to offer help and give information about how to help. We launched our We’ve Got Your Back campaign – our union effort to bring help where its needed, and shared some myths and facts about suicide in the industry. Thank you to every worker who shared time with us on the job last week. Read more about our work in the Providence Journal.

If you are thinking about suicide, you are not alone – we’ve got your back. Call or text 988 anytime day or night for immediate help.

Contact Michael Currier at Building Futures to access treatment and resources for you or a co-worker, to bring resources to your jobsite, or to learn more about our work.

Suicide is an Epidemic in the Construction Industry

In 2022, there were 1092 work related fatalities on construction job sites.

That same year, 6,428 construction workers died by suicide.

That is 17 workers a day.

These are not just numbers – they are mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, your coworkers, and your union brothers and sisters.

Construction workers have the second highest rate of suicide of all industries.

These deaths are preventable. You can help make sure your coworkers know – we’ve got your back.

Myths and Facts About Suicide

Myth 1: Talking about suicide increases the chance a person will act on it.

Fact: Asking someone directly about suicidal intent reduces anxiety, opens up communication, and makes the person realize that someone sees them and cares. It can make the suicidal person feel less isolated.

Myth 2: People who talk about suicide are just attention seekers.

Fact: People who die from suicide often tell someone about not wanting to live anymore, or that they do not see a future. It is always important take anybody talking about suicide seriously. There is a difference between attention seeking and attention needing. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Myth 3: Suicide can’t be prevented.

Fact: If people in crisis get the help they need, they may never be suicidal again. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. With help working through these problems, they can find hope and live meaningful happy lives.

Myth 4: Only experts can prevent suicide.

Fact: Suicide prevention is everyone’s business. Everyone, including you, can help prevent the tragedy of suicide.

Myth 5: Suicide always occurs without warning.

Fact: There are almost always warning signs before a suicide attempt.

Myth 6: Teenagers and college students are the most at risk of suicide.

Fact: Suicide risk increases with age. Men between the ages of 45 and 64 are most likely to die by suicide in the United States

Learn to See the Signs

This is a true story, although the name has been changed:

Let’s call him Karl. He was 45 years old, He was a carpenter in the union for 20 years. He was married and had 2 kids, a boy and a girl. He was separated from his wife and was feeling some financial strain. He had been drinking alot lately from the stress. He was usually pretty outgoing but had started having lunch by himself. At the end of one workday, he gave away some of his personal of hand tools to his buddies on the job site. Karl went home and killed himself that day. He was found shortly afterward by co-workers who realized too late the significance of his gifts. Karl’s death left a hole in the company that he worked for, his community, and his kids lost their dad.

Although people might respond differently if they are having suicidal thoughts, there are some common signs to look out for.

  • Talking about suicide — making statements such as “I’m going to kill myself,” “I wish I were dead” or “I wish I hadn’t been born.”

  • Getting the means to take their own life, such as buying a gun or stockpiling pills.

  • Withdrawing from social contact and wanting to be left alone.

  • Having mood swings, such as being emotionally high one day and deeply discouraged the next.

  • Increasing use of alcohol or drugs.

  • Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order when there is no other logical explanation for doing this.

  • Saying goodbye to people as if it is the last time.

What you can do

Trust your gut and see the warnings. If someone is acting differently than they usually do, reach out and talk to them. If you think someone is in crisis or depressed, asking if he or she is thinking about suicide, or thinking about hurting themselves can help. Don’t hesitate to start the conversation.

  • Ask how they are doing.

  • Tell them that they seem different, that you are concerned about them. Ask them if they are thinking about killing themselves. Be that direct.

  • If they say no but it still doesn’t feel right, ask them if it would be okay to check back in with them later, let them know that you can help them find someone to talk to.

  •  If they say yes, stay with them and call 988 or if your safety is at risk, call 911.

Resources

  • Text or call 988 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  • Learn about resources your union offers at www.bfri.org/gotyourback.

  • Contact Michael Currier, Recovery Director at Building Futures. By phone or text: 401-426-2470 or email: [email protected]. Michael can help you access treatment or counseling; he can point you to resources your union offers; he can help you or your loved one get help. Michael offers confidential support + union solidarity.