September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. We want this to be a time to share resources and our own stories with each other in an effort to destigmatize this often taboo topic. This month provides an opportunity to reach out to those affected by suicide, as well as raise awareness and connect individuals with suicidal thoughts to treatment services. It is also important to ensure that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.

Every year thousands of individuals die by suicide, leaving behind their friends and family members who have to navigate the tragedy of loss. In many cases, friends and families affected by a suicide loss are left in the dark. Too often the feelings of shame and stigma prevent them from talking openly.

As you may know, the construction/extraction industry has the highest rate of suicide in the country, according to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In that study, the CDC found that, in a sample, 20% of all men who died by suicide in the United States worked in the construction/extraction industry.

SMOHIT has made a professional grief and trauma counselor available at no charge to all dues-paying SMART members and their families. Simply call (877) 884-6227 for help. All calls are strictly confidential.

In addition, the SMART Members Assistance Program (MAP) is designed to build awareness around the national health epidemic of substance use disorder and other mental health problems, including thoughts of suicide, and to construct a support network of compassionate union members and mental health experts for our members and their families who are facing these life challenging difficulties.

SMOHIT is also offering free suicide prevention training through Livingworks through the end of the month of September.