Suicide is contagious.
Ask any roomful of construction industry professionals about whether someone in their work or personal circle has taken their own life and the majority will raise their hands.
What is unseen is way the impact of that one lost life spreads. That was the message that Dr. John Gaal, director of worker wellness for the Missouri Works Initiative delivered to an audience of about 50 persons at an event at Plumbers and Pipefitters Training Center in Earth City last Thursday.
“Suicide Postvention in the Construction Industry” was the second of a three part series on mental health in the construction industry sponsored by Aetna and produced Missouri Works Initiative and Construction Forum. The first presentation, “Psychological Safety and and a Culture of Care” was presented on July 31st at SMART Sheet Metal Workers Local 36 Grand Hall.