Mental Health Week – Have empathy, walk in each other’s work boots

For the past 71 years in May, Canadians have taken part and rallied around the Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) Mental Health Week.

This year’s prominent message is empathy, which the CMHA describes as “the capacity we share as human beings to step into each other’s shoes. To understand where they’re coming from and what they’re feeling. To listen hard and refuse to judge.”

Construction is not immune to mental health challenges.

Thanks to proactive industry stakeholders, the discussion around mental health in the sector is becoming more widely accepted. Conversations have become normalized, and more resources are becoming available.

In recognition of Mental Health Week, the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce has compiled a list of stories we’ve covered recently that recognize the importance of ending the stigma around mental health. We’ve also featured our national Cracks in the Foundation Series, which goes into detail about mental health, substance use and construction.

OGCA delegates advised on strategies for normalizing mental health discussions

Bell Let’s Talk Day: Mental health and addiction supports for construction

GBC students learn valuable skills while building wellness retreat in Clarington

Graham Construction takes proactive approach to mental health

Industry advocates urge awareness of link between brain injuries, mental illness

Cracks in the Foundation – National DCN-JOC series delves into the ‘other pandemic’