WHY MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS NOW FOR CONSTRUCTION LEADERS BY CAL BEYER AND BEN WILLIAMS
Historically, talking about mental health in the workplace (and even more so on jobsites) was taboo. Mental health is a personal issue, a family matter, a community concern, and a societal challenge. Why has it not been a workplace issue?
Stigma and Shame
Stigma is a major barrier that keeps people from acknowledging that they are not ok. Stigma is a fear of the unknown combined with a fear of judgement from others or fear of consequences – both real and perceived. Stigma remains a barrier that keeps people from either offering or seeking help. Stigma elicits excuses, enables denial, and encourages rationalization. Acknowledging that help is needed has been seen as a sign of weakness rather than as a sign of strength. Stigma and shame go hand in PAGE 10
KCA
KANSAS CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION
hand. Where stigma and shame exist people are uncomfortable or afraid to talk about mental health which leads to people suffering in silence.
Rising Workforce Risks in Kansas
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP.org), in January 2021, Kansas was ranked 17th in the frequency of suicide with a rate 30.1% higher than the national average. For comparison, Kansas is ranked 36th in population size among all states according to World Population Data from 2020. The AFSP reports that more than “five times as many people died of suicide than in alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents." Moreover, data from the America’s Health Rankings for 2020 from the United Health Foundation suicide in Kansas increased 41% between 2009-2018. There are other clues pointing to a rising level of risk