September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and on this episode of TradesWork: The RMMCA Podcast, we’re talking about an issue that affects our industry, our workplaces and our people: mental health.
Host Jon Ekstrom is joined by Sarah Blanka of Optum Health, a licensed counselor and suicide prevention specialist, and John Marlow of US Engineering, who advocates for mental health awareness within the mechanical contracting industry.
Together, they discuss why construction and the skilled trades experience disproportionately high rates of suicide and substance-related deaths, the stigma that can make it difficult to ask for help, and how contractors and employees can create healthier, more supportive workplace cultures.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why mental health is such an important issue in the skilled trades
Breaking the stigma around asking for help
Warning signs that a coworker, friend or family member may be struggling
Creating a workplace culture where mental health is part of the conversation
Resources available to RMMCA members and their employees
What to do if you or someone you know needs help
This conversation is about more than statistics. It's about looking out for your crew, breaking down barriers to asking for help, and making sure people know they don't have to face challenges alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.