EP 68: Mental Health Awareness (Pt. 2)…with Lea Rummel

⏱️ 38:28 🎤 Barb Allen, Lea Rummel

AUDIO EPISODE

EP 68: Mental Health Awareness (Pt. 2)…with Lea Rummel

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Chapters

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0:00

Construction Suicide Rates

The host highlights the alarming statistic that construction has the second highest rate of death by suicide, surpassing the 'fatal four' injury types combined.
4:49

NECA/IBEW Mental Health Training

Lea explains her role in developing and teaching a mental health and suicide awareness curriculum for union electricians through NECA and IBEW's Foreman Development series.
13:40

Impact of Personal Story

Lea shares how her personal story resonated with electricians, leading to a profound impact on one individual's life trajectory.
17:12

Company Initiatives & 988

Lea describes implementing mental health resource cards, hard hat stickers, and a company-wide communications campaign, emphasizing the importance of the 988 crisis lifeline.
20:30

Narcan and First Aid

Lea discusses the availability of Narcan on job sites and integrating mental health topics into mandatory first aid and CPR certifications.
26:45

Relatable Training Importance

The host emphasizes the importance of relatable, non-checkbox training, referencing Lea's approach of involving field workers in curriculum development and sharing personal vulnerability.
35:56

Recognizing Suicide Signs

Lea outlines various signs and symptoms of suicidal ideation, including increased substance use, mood swings, giving away belongings, and a sense of hopelessness.
39:01

5 Steps to Help (Be the One To)

Lea details the 'Be the One To' five-step program: ask directly, listen without judgment, keep them safe, connect to resources, and follow up, stressing the importance of professional help.
53:47

Directly Asking About Suicide

The host and Lea highlight the crucial difference between asking 'Are you thinking about suicide?' versus 'Are you thinking about committing suicide?' to remove shame and guilt.
1:05:27

Key Resources for Contractors

Lea strongly recommends the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP) and Get Construction Talking as vital resources for contractors and companies.

Speakers

Barb Allen

Host

Lea Rummel

Key Takeaways

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Prioritize mental health awareness: The construction industry faces disproportionately high suicide rates; integrating mental health support is as crucial as physical safety.

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Implement relatable training: Develop and deliver mental health training that is specific to the construction environment, incorporating insights from field workers and sharing personal experiences to build trust and encourage engagement.

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Increase accessibility to resources: Make mental health resources, like the 988 crisis hotline and employee assistance programs (EAPs), easily discoverable and accessible (e.g., prominent website placement, job site stickers, wallet cards).

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Empower supervisors: Train supervisors on how to have supportive conversations about mental health, recognize signs of distress, and guide employees to appropriate professional help without attempting to diagnose.

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Recognize and respond to warning signs: Learn to identify subtle and overt signs of mental health struggles or suicidal ideation, and be prepared to engage with direct questions, listen without judgment, ensure immediate safety, and connect individuals with professional support.

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Leverage industry-specific organizations: Utilize resources from organizations like the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP) for toolbox talks, training materials, and guidance tailored to the construction sector.

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