Construction DEI Talks
S2 Ep6 - Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas on Prioritizing Mental Health: How Suicide Prevention Can Improve the Construction Industry
Welcome to the Construction DEI Talks podcast, your go-to source for exploring diversity, equity, and inclusion as they pertain to the construction industry. Hosts Jorge Quezada, Stephanie Roldan, and Aby Combs bring you the latest conversations with experts, providing insightful and valuable perspectives on how to create a stronger, more equitable industry for all.
In this episode, Jorge and Aby speak with guest Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas, a renowned clinical psychologist, mental health advocate, and suicide loss survivor. Dr. Thomas shares her personal experiences and professional expertise, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health and suicide prevention in the construction industry.
Did you know that construction workers have a higher risk of suicide, addiction, and overdose? Dr. Thomas sheds light on this alarming trend and highlights the need for upstream efforts to prevent these tragedies. She calls for a shift in the way construction companies treat their employees, prioritizing mental health and creating a culture of care and support.
Listeners are encouraged to take action, starting with acknowledging the human beings in their workplace and making mental health a priority. Resources like Workplace Suicide Prevention and Construction Working Minds are available to provide support and guidance in this important effort.
Don't miss this eye-opening episode of Construction DEI Talks. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter to stay up to date on the latest episodes and connect with the hosts and guests. And don't forget to check out our podcast sponsors, Granite Construction and Rosendin, for more information on their services and contributions to the industry.
Links:
Learn more about Construction DEI Talks on LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.
Learn more about podcast sponsors Granite Construction and Rosendin.
Connect with Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas.
Learn more about Workplace Suicide Prevention and Construction Working Minds.
How Suicide Prevention Can Improve the Construction Industry
Welcome to the Construction DEI Talks podcast, where we discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion in the construction industry. In this episode, co-hosts Jorge Quezada and Aby Combs speak with Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas, a clinical psychologist, and mental health advocate. Dr. Thomas shares her lived experience in suicide prevention and discusses the importance of prioritizing mental health in the workplace. She also provides valuable insights into how suicide prevention efforts can improve the construction industry.
The Importance of Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry
Construction workers are at a higher risk for suicide, addiction, and overdose. Dr. Thomas emphasizes the need for upstream work and prevention efforts in the industry. She calls for a "both-and" conversation to address the toxic elements of the construction industry contributing to heightened despair and distress. Prioritizing mental health is critical for improving the industry's overall well-being.
The Impact of Workplace Culture on Mental Health
Dr. Thomas highlights the importance of workplace culture in addressing mental health. The way employees are treated, and the work expected of them must change. The more risk-taking a role is in construction, the higher the suicide rate is. Mental health professionals must be high quality, accessible, and culturally responsive. Self-care prioritization can also lead to happier and healthier workers.
Suicide Prevention Resources in the Construction Industry
Dr. Thomas provides valuable resources for suicide prevention in the construction industry. Workplace Suicide Prevention is a free service with over 2,000 pledge partners. Construction Working Minds provides construction-specific data for prevention efforts.
In this episode, Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas emphasizes the importance of prioritizing mental health in the workplace to improve the construction industry's overall well-being. Suicide prevention efforts and upstream work are critical in addressing the toxic elements of the industry. Mental health professionals must be high quality, accessible, and culturally responsive. Resources such as Workplace Suicide Prevention and Construction Working Minds can aid in prevention efforts.
Links:
Learn more about Construction DEI Talks on LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.
Learn more about podcast sponsors Granite Construction and Rosendin.
Connect with Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas.
Learn more about Workplace Suicide Prevention and Construction Working Minds.