Bringing Suicide out of the Shadows

Every year, approximately 4500 Canadians die of suicide.  Each day, 250 Canadians attempt suicide and 12 Canadians die.  What is alarming is that construction workers have suicide rates that are 65% higher than other industries. Many factors and circumstances -- trauma, addiction, depression, isolation, financial woes, serious physical illness, and major life changes can contribute to someone ending their life, not just mental illness.

In this 90-minute workshop, tailored to the construction industry, participants will learn about the prevalence and risk of suicide amongst our peers.  We will learn what you can do if you are concerned about yourself, or someone you know.  We will discuss how to cope if someone you know dies of suicide and will direct you to valuable resources. 

Here’s what to expect:

• The Prevalence of Suicide: Participants will gain an understanding of the reasons and statistics around suicide attempts and deaths, not only from a national population lens but also as it relates to the concerning numbers within the construction industry.
• Bringing the Topic of Suicide into the Light:  While we try to reduce the stigma around mental disorders in the construction industry, stigma remains a barrier and a cloak to identifying and supporting those struggling with suicidal thoughts and need help.  What can each of us do to remove this cloak and highlight this problem; particularly with our co-workers?
• How to Cope and Seek Help for Yourself: For those having their own thoughts of suicide, we discuss imminent steps to give yourself time to prepare a safe environment, how to reach out to someone for help, and how to craft an emergency plan.  We discuss ways to cope with suicidal thoughts and direct you to resources that may provide the deep support you need.
• Helping and Coping if Someone Close to You is Considering Suicide: If you are concerned about someone close to you, we will review early warning signs and how to step up and offer help.  We will learn what you can do if you believe a suicide attempt is imminent and bridge the individual to the right support. 
• Hoping and Healing After You Have Lost Someone To Suicide:  Taking care of yourself during this time is paramount.  This will be a difficult time where you will struggle with many emotions.  We will visit this scenario with tips and resources to support those surviving the aftermath.

This workshop is designed to open up dialogue about suicide and bring it into the light.  Being afraid or uncomfortable discussing suicide or raising the topic with someone you are concerned about keeps the issue in the dark.  These dangerous shadows prevent those needing support to speak up, and hinder others from acknowledging someone’s suffering, and offer what may be a timely, critical reach out that may save a life.  Shining this light is incredibly important and urgent in the construction.

Important Note: 

We encourage active participation in this workshop, which involves interactive elements such as polls, word clouds, multiple-choice questions, and the ability to submit questions to the presenters. To ensure a safe and confidential space, we want to highlight that you will have the option to interact with us anonymously using the interactive platform Slido.

Your privacy and comfort are of utmost importance, and we want to create an environment where everyone feels free to engage openly. If you have any concerns or questions about anonymity or the interactive features, please feel free to reach out to the ICBA Training Team at training@icba.ca

Disclaimer: The content of this presentation is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice.  

Delivery Method:  Virtual Session – Zoom Webinar   

Course Fee Includes: Access to the course, course materials, and upon completion a digital certificate if requested.  

There are no prerequisites for this course.

This session was designed for anyone who wants a better understanding of mental health and wellness. 

1. Computer or laptop 

• This course will involve on-screen interaction with your instructor and classmates, reading/viewing on-screen content (slides or videos), and interacting via typing with questions or responses. For this reason, cellphones may not be adequate. 

• Windows 10 or Mac iOS  

4. Internet connection - For best results, you will want to ensure you have an internet connection with an upload/download speed of 3-5 Mbps. You can test your internet speed here. Minimum recommended speed is 1.5 Mbps, but anything below 3 Mbps may result in loss of quality or buffering. Ideally hardwired connection versus wireless for stability - connect your computer directly to your router using an ethernet cable, rather than using your home wi-fi.  

5. A quiet space with minimal distractions - microphone will be engaged for interactive sessions. Please plan to be fully engaged in the class and clear your work schedule just as you would for the in-class program.    

6. Comfortable chair