Mental Health
Mental illness is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. and Canada for people ages 15-44. In any given year, an estimated 26.2 percent of American adults suffer from a diagnosable mental illness.
A variety of factors may contribute to mental illness, including a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors such as a reduction in work hours, dealing with a medical condition or stress at home.
Although mental illness rates are high, it often goes untreated. The Health Promotion Division seeks to erase the stigma associated with seeking help for a mental health issue as well as make access to services easier and encourage people to get the help they need.
On the Resources tab, we have compiled a list of mental health resources with a brief description of each one. We also have created a veterans section specifically for veterans and their families. Many Laborers and/or their dependents have served in the military or are still in the military. We recognize the additional stress and related mental health issues that military service can create for our troops and for their families.
We encourage you and/or your family to check out the resources and follow-up for more information if needed. Asking a family member or friend to assist in the process may make it easier if you’re feeling overwhelmed or having trouble getting help.
Some LIUNA health and welfare funds may provide various benefits and programs to address mental health and substance abuse issues. Some provide mental health and substance abuse coverage for members and their families which may require preapproval before accessing. Please review your summary plan description or call your health and welfare fund office to learn about your coverage.
Some health and welfare funds provide a Member Assistance Program (MAP). This is generally a free benefit to members and their families to address mental health or substance abuse issues. The MAP can be a starting point to seeking help and assistance.
Mental Health Resources
If you, a friend or a loved one have a mental health issue that you would like to address or if you are just going through a tough time in your life and need someone to help you work through the issues, assistance is available. We encourage you to take a look at the following resources.
- The country’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to helping all people live mentally healthier lives.
- Mental Health America has a webpage of mental health resources dedicated to getting people connected with help.
NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness
- This organization provides support, education and advocacy for people with mental illness.
- NAMI has a web page dedicated to helping people get connected with specific mental health support. Check it out at support.
National Institute of Mental Health
National Resources Center for Hispanic Mental Health
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- SAMHSA’s mission is to build resilience and facilitate recovery for people with mental or substance use disorders.
- SAMHSA has a web page dedicated to mental health information for individuals including a mental
SUICIDE
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call 1-800-273-8255
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis. If you need help, please dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
Mental Health Resources for Veterans
Mental Health Self-Assessment Program® (MHSAP) Screening and Referral for Vets and Families or call 1-877-877-3647
- MHSAP offers service personnel and their families the opportunity to take anonymous, mental health and alcohol use self-assessments online, via the phone and/or through special events held at installations.
- The self-assessments are a brief series of questions that, when linked together, help create a picture of how an individual is feeling.
- The program is designed to help individuals identify their own symptoms and access assistance before a problem becomes serious.
- The self-assessments address posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, generalized anxiety disorder, alcohol use and bipolar disorder.
- After completing a self-assessment, an individual receives referral information, including services provided by TRICARE, Military OneSource and Vet Centers.
United States Department of Veterans Affairs
- Mental Health Home Page: Provides patient care, veterans’ benefits and will try to meet all client needs to the best of its ability.
- National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: The PTSD Information Center has fact sheets and videos to answer your questions on trauma, PTSD and related issues.
Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center or call 1-800-870-9244: Serves active duty military and their dependents and veterans with traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Veterans Resource Center: The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides information and resources for veterans and active duty military members, as well as their families, friends and advocates.
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The Potential Impact of COVID-19 on Suicide Rates (June, 2020)
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