An International Perspective: Construction Suicide Prevention in New Zealand Artwork

Boom Goes The Stigma

Welcome to Boom Goes The Stigma! BGTS is a production of the Construction Suicide Prevention Partnership (CSPP). According to the CDC, the construction industry has the second-highest rate of suicide and has one of the highest rates of death from overdoses. Our country loses more construction workers to suicide than to Jobsite injuries or accidents. BGTS is a tool that normalizes and elevates the conversation around mental health. On every episode, guests from within and outside the construction industry discuss critical issues, share stories, and, most importantly, blow up the stigma of talking about mental wellness as a sign of weakness.

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Boom Goes The Stigma

An International Perspective: Construction Suicide Prevention in New Zealand

February 22, 2023 • Hunter Moen, Anna Klein, Max Margolis

We are excited to share our conversation with Dr. Andy Walmsley from Building Wellness, a nonprofit in New Zealand that focuses on supporting mental well-being and reducing suicide rates in the construction industry.

Dr. Andy’s Ph.D. explored help-seeking attitudes and behaviors among men within the New Zealand construction industry. He chose his Ph.D. topic to offer practical help to address the high rates of suicide within the sector.

In our conversation, Andy talked about the challenges the construction workforce in New Zealand faces and how their organization operates to meet their needs. We appreciate Andy taking the time to talk to us!

If you need support or feel distressed, there is always hope and help. You can call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, to speak with a trained crisis intervention specialist.

You can also reach out to the Alcohol & Drug Helpline at 800-923-4357.

To learn more about the CSPP and Boom Goes The Stigma, visit: suicide-stops-here.org

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