LaborePress | Kerri O’Brien
Some injuries don’t show up as bruises. They look like a coworker going quiet, a friend skipping the after-shift coffee, a family member who used to text back right away… now slow, now distant. September is Suicide Prevention Month, and our theme this week is simple: connection is protective. Union people already know how to keep each other safe—spot the hazard, buddy up, speak up. We’re applying that same job-site wisdom to our everyday lives: stand a little closer, notice the changes, and make the first move.
Notice: trust what you’re seeing
You know your crew and your family. When something’s different, lean in—especially after a tough incident, a layoff rumor, an injury, a breakup, or a big change in routine. Common shifts to notice:
- Pulling back from the crew, missing meet-ups, or isolating
- Mood changes—more irritable, flat, or “checked out”
- Trouble sleeping or showing up exhausted
- More risk-taking or leaning harder on alcohol/other substances
- Unfinished tasks piling up, small mistakes that aren’t typical
- Giving away gear or talking like they’re a burden
No single change “proves” anything. But any change is enough to check in.
Nudge: gentle words that open a door
You don’t need perfect phrases—just honest care. Try these less-direct openers:
- “You’ve seemed weighed down lately. How are you doing—really?”
- “You matter to us. What’s been hardest this week?”
- “On a 1–10, where’s your stress today? What would make it one point better?”
- “I’m around after shift—want to walk for five and talk?”
Listen more than you speak. Avoid quick fixes (“Cheer up”), comparisons (“Others have it worse”), or labels. The goal is simple: let them feel seen, not solved.
Small habits that make a big difference
Prevention isn’t a program—it’s a practice.
- The Five-Minute Rule: pick one person a day to text or tap on the shoulder: “Thinking of you. How’s today going?”
- The Second Ask: most folks say “I’m fine.” Follow with, “Totally get it. How are you—really?”
- Buddy Up: pair apprentices with seasoned hands; pair night-shift workers; check on the folks working away from home.
- Invite In: coffee before roll call, lunch off to the side, a quick walk after the last tool is down.
- Random Acts of Caring: a note in a locker, a shared ride, dropping off a meal, helping clear a small backlog. Tiny signals say “You matter.”
- Mind the Edges: watch transitions—returning from injury, new to the crew, recently retired, new parents, fresh supervisors. Big changes amplify stress.
When your gut says “act”
Sometimes a check-in uncovers more than a rough week. If the situation feels serious:
- Stay with them—in person or on the phone—until support is in place.
- Connect to help together: call or text 988 (24/7, confidential in the U.S.), or reach a counselor, peer supporter, chaplain, or trusted leader.
- Keep it practical: help them step away to make the call, find a quiet spot, or schedule a same-day telehealth session.
- Follow up: a text that evening and again tomorrow says, “I’m still here.”
For stewards, foremen, and supervisors
Culture is set by the first and last five minutes of the day.
- Start-of-Shift Minute: alongside PPE checks, add a quick well-being check: “Anything on your mind today? Anyone need a partner?”
- Post-Incident Decompression: after a hard call or close call, make space for a brief regroup and peer check-ins.
- Make Help Visible: post EAP details, peer contacts, chaplain hours, and 988 on boards, apps, and paystubs.
- Model It: “I’ve had tough seasons too—and getting support helped.” When leaders normalize help, crews follow.
For families and friends
Home is where people exhale. Gentle, specific questions go a long way:
- “You’ve been quiet since that double shift—want to take a walk?”
- “Where’s your stress today, 1–10? What would move it one notch?”
- “Want company while you reach out—call, text, or chat?”
Keep routines when you can. Celebrate small wins. Caregivers need care, too—keep your own support lines open.
A hopeful note
To everyone who has walked through heavy seasons and reached for help: your courage lights the path for others. To those currently carrying more than usual: you are not alone. One small conversation, one text, one coffee can change a day—and sometimes a life. This is what unions do best: we look out for one another.
This week’s challenge:
Pick three names—one coworker, one family member, one neighbor or retiree. Check in. Ask the second question. Leave a note. Send the text. Connection is a skill we can all practice. If you or someone you love needs support now, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org (24/7, free, confidential in the U.S.). In immediate danger, call 911.
