Mental Health Awareness

 

Suicide and substance use disorder are taking a toll on construction. If you or someone you know is suffering,
you are not alone.

PDC 30 is committed to helping members work through mental health challenges and providing innovative
mental health awareness training. This page contains important information about these goals and resources
for members and employers.

 

 

 

What does mental health first aider do?​

In general, the role of a Mental Health First Aider in the workplace is to be a point of contact for an employee who is experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress. This interaction could range from having an initial conversation to supporting the person to get appropriate help.​

 

Warning signs of a mental health crisis:

  • Inability to perform daily hygiene tasks

  • Rapid mood swings

  • Decreased productivity​

  • Increased agitation or conflict among co-workers​

  • Increased tardiness and absenteeism​

  • Isolation

  • Paranoia 

 

Warning signs of suicide:

  • Withdrawing from family & friends​

  • Dramatic changes in behavior

  • Putting personal affairs in order, giving away possessions​

  • Talking as if saying goodbye

  • Acquiring a gun or stockpiling pills​

  • Losing hope​

  • Losing a job or major relationship


Finding a Behavioral Health Provider​

Working in the building and construction trades is a challenging career. There are high productivity demands on the workforce to meet deadlines, as well as working conditions that can often be an extreme danger if strict safety guidelines aren't followed. Yet, there are other risks construction workers face in the industry – suicide and substance use disorder.

The IUPAT Helping Hands program was developed to educate IUPAT members on the impacts mental health disorders have in the construction industry.​ Helping Hand Champions have been established at every District Council to share best practices and assist each District Council in investing in mental health awareness and communication.​

Visit the IUPAT Helping Hands website for access to resources, videos, and information to share with your employer and fellow union members across the IUPAT.​

Visit www.iupathelpinghand.com to learn more.

Connect with IUPAT Helping Hands on Facebook.

Recently, PDC 30 launched a new “Social Safety Zone” curriculum series that aims to empower members to be allies and advocates for a safe and supportive social environment at work. Our goal is to make worksites socially safe spaces. That means safe from harassment, safe for coworkers to seek help when they are suffering from mental illness or substance use disorder, and safe from workplace violence. In advocating for social safety, the union becomes a place that is more welcoming to females and underrepresented populations.

Social Safety Zone courses train members to prevent, recognize, and address any conduct that threatens one’s social safety while at work, including sexual harassment, mental health, conflict management, and workplace violence. Further, the curriculum is built to empower PDC 30 members to be allies and advocates out in the field, to provide social support to coworkers who may be struggling at work.
 


 

The Sexual Harassment Awareness course is available to all members and focuses on helping individuals recognize the various forms of sexual harassment and understand its impacts on the construction workplace. Courses are available now in Aurora, Morton, and Rockford, and are offered for one (1) STARs credit through December 2022.

The Mental Health Awareness course is available to all members and features information on mental health, anxiety and depression, substance use disorder, suicide prevention, and self-care strategies. Courses are available now in Aurora, Morton, and Rockford, and are offered for two (2) STARs credits through December 2022.

To register for an upcoming class, contact the NCIFTI (630.966.1451 or vperez@pdc30.com).

Participate in a Social Safety Zone class to help change the culture of construction.