Brothers and Sisters,
Just as we keep an eye out for safety concerns on the job, we need to keep an eye out for each other’s well-being. This past year has taken a toll on every one of us in some way or another. We’ve faced challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming, and bring up strong emotions. Right now, it’s more important than ever to take your mental health seriously.
Have you experienced any of these symptoms?
- Long-lasting sadness or irritability
- Extremely high and low moods
- Excessive fear, worry, or anxiety
- Social withdrawal
- Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
If you answered “yes” to any of these, you need to know that you are not alone. We want to help you.
At some point in our lives, all of us will go through some form of mental struggle or illness. Acknowledging and talking about your struggle is a sign of strength. Every one of you is a valued member of our union, and beyond your union membership, a valued person to your friends, family, and coworkers.
You do not need to struggle in silence.
As part of your DC 82 membership, there are mental health resources available to you. For more information, call your health insurance provider, call us at 651-224-5480, or call our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) TEAM 24/7:
TEAM
Available 24/7
Counseling services:
- Alcohol or drug problems
- Depression/anxiety
- Behavioral concerns
- Relationship challenges
- Family/parenting issues
- Grief and loss
- Stress management
- Job-related difficulties
- Legal and financial problems
General Number: 800-634-7710
Roseville Office Plaza: 651-642-0182
Duluth Labor Temple: 218-727-8589
Here is what others say about our Helping Hand initiative:
- Motherhood Moment: Healthy Habits: How Twin Cities construction workers are accessing free mental health services
- Finance & Commerce: Unions provide free mental health care
- The Star Tribune: Twin Cities union starts program to combat suicide, drug addiction among construction workers
- The Minnesota Reformer: Trade union confronts high rates of suicide and addiction in construction with free treatment
- Labor World: From The Minnesota Reformer: IUPAT Confronts Suicide, Addiction In Construction With Free Treatment
It’s easy to slip into your busy routine and go about each day as if the next is promised. But that’s not true for anyone. Your peer who always comes to work smiling and now has gone silent could be struggling with suicidal thoughts. The coworker who has mentioned being low on cash lately and now has stopped showing up to the job site could be struggling with a substance use disorder.
You never know what the person next to you is going through. The only way to lend a helping hand is to educate yourself on the warning signs and let the people around you know that help is available.
So, next time your friend doesn’t show up to work, take the extra moment to shoot them a text to let them know they were missed. Next time your friend seems like they’re having an off day, invite them out for coffee. Sometimes all that someone needs is to know they are not alone. Together, we can prevent this stress from becoming something more and learn how to deal with these feelings in a healthy way.
Hotlines that are here in case you or someone you know needs them:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline & Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255
- General Crisis Line: Text SUPPORT to 741741
- National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264
State-specific resources:
- NAMI Minnesota: https://namimn.org
- More Minnesota crisis and suicide hotlines: http://www.suicide.org/hotlines/minnesota-suicide-hotlines.html
- Montana crisis and suicide hotlines: http://suicidehotlines.com/montana.html
- South Dakota Suicide Prevention: https://sdsuicideprevention.org
- North Dakota crisis and suicide hotlines: http://suicidehotlines.com/northdakota.html
- Wisconsin crisis and suicide hotlines by county: https://www.preventsuicidewi.org/county-crisis-lines
The construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates. Our jobs are rewarding, but they are undoubtedly hard. Brothers and sisters, my door is open to every one of you if you are struggling or feeling down.
Learn more about the IUPAT’s Helping Hand initiative here, and get involved.
Please, never hesitate to reach out.
In solidarity,
Jeff Stark
Business Manager / Secretary-Treasurer
IUPAT DC 82
