Breaking the Silence: Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Construction

In this episode, CMAA’s Carly Trout and Evan Hendershot welcome Sonya Bowman, executive director of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP), for a conversation about why mental health and suicide prevention belong alongside physical safety on every construction jobsite. Bowman shares the origins of CIASP and the sobering statistics behind its mission, including the reality that deaths by suicide in the construction industry far outnumber fatal workplace injuries. The conversation explores industry-specific risk factors such as chronic pain, substance misuse, isolation and sleep deprivation, as well as a culture that can make asking for help difficult. Bowman discusses the important role leaders can play in changing that culture and shares practical ways companies can start the conversation, from toolbox talks and crisis resources to simply making it clear that psychological safety matters. She also highlights CIASP resources, volunteer opportunities and the Miles That Matters 5K, offering ways individuals and organizations can help build a construction industry where reaching out for support is seen as a sign of strength.   The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.