Looking Out for Each Other

Need to talk to someone now? Call or text the Canadian Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8.

During Suicide Prevention Month this September, we encourage you to do the following on worksites and in offices:

Review the ToolBox Talk on Suicide Prevention with your teammates

Model behaviours that encourage dialogue and openness

A safer industry is one where people feel supported, where asking for help is encouraged and seen as a sign of strength

Make support resources visible

Share The Mental Health Continuum Model (MHCM)

This very useful tool helps individuals identify their level of mental well being and what they should do about it.

Reach Out

If you’re concerned about a co-worker, friend, family member, or yourself, don’t wait for a crisis. Reach out. Listen without judgment. Help connect people to support resources when needed. A simple conversation can do a world of good and even save a life.

Toolbox Talk

Supporting the mental health of others is vital. Mental health challenges often show in verbal, emotional and behavioral warning signs. Recognizing these signs, whether in ourselves or others, is the first step to getting help. By raising awareness and encouraging open conversations, we foster stronger, more resilient teams where no one has to struggle in silence.

The Numbers

~ 4,750

people die by suicide in Canada per year, equivalent to about 13 deaths every day¹

75%

of all suicide deaths in Canada are among males¹

83%

of construction industry workers have experienced moderate to severe mental health issues²

Nearly 50%

of tradespeople rate their mental health as fair or poor ³

Stigma

remains a primary barrier to accessing union-provided mental health and addiction programs³

References

¹Government of Canada
This refers to the general Canadian public. Statistics Canada currently does not publish suicide data by occupation

²Construction Industry Rehabilitation Plan

³Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) Mental Health & Substance Use Report

Information to Know

What Support Looks Like

Noticing when something seems “off” with someone.

Genuinely checking in with someone if they seem withdrawn, angry or different

Listening without judgment or interruption

Showing you’re there by making small, caring gestures

Encouraging them to seek help

Sharing resources

Awareness, Knowing the Signs

Decreased productivity or difficulty performing familiar tasks

Dramatic shifts in emotions and increased sensitivity and/or irritability

Social withdrawal or absenteeism from group or social events

Challenges with problem solving, concentration or memory

Increased mistakes in work or safety incidents

Seeking Help

Talk to someone you trust

Speak with your doctor or a mental health professional

Reach out to your union or your Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Visit the Government of Canada Mental Health Support: Get Help webpage for province-specific resources

For immediate intervention, call 911

Call the Canadian Suicide Crisis Helpline 9-8-8

If you’re struggling and concerned about yourself or about a co-worker, friend or family member, don’t wait for a crisis. This easy to remember number offers 24/7 service in English and French and connects callers to trained counselors who can help by providing support and resources.