Discussing Mental Health and Suicide in Construction | Vince Hafeli | TEDxUniversityofMississippi
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- čas přidán 12. 09. 2024
- NOTE FROM TED: This talk contains a discussion of suicidal ideation. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: storage.ted.com...
In the construction industry, five times more people die from suicide than from job accidents. Vince Hafeli was almost a part of that statistic, and now he is on a mission to change the culture of the construction workplace. Vince Hafeli is an international speaker, author, and advocate for mental health and suicide awareness in the workplace. The President of Ajax Paving Industries of Florida, Hafeli has dedicated over 38 years of his life to the construction industry. Currently (2023), he is working toward a Doctor of Business Administration to further his research and training skills related to suicide in the construction field, while developing approaches to increase support for worker’s mental health needs. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
I had the honor of meeting Vince online, his talk moved me greatly. His purpose is clear and evident and needs to be shared by many. Thanks Man!
This journey reminds us it's never too late to evolve and grow.
I hope it's brought positive change into your life as well Jonathan.
It is incredible how this talk touches so many hearts in unique ways.
These stories of redemption and growth are truly special.
TEDx magic!
The raw honesty in this talk is truly commendable. It's a reminder that mental health should be treated with the same urgency as physical health and I appreciate that
Way to go Vince! You are helping to save lives with your courageous sharing!
Thank you.
I love seeing men talk about big emotional issues like this. Every bit helps.
The applause at the end says it all. This is a message that resonates. Let's carry it forward and create workplaces that prioritize mental health.
So glad tedx gives a platform for important topics like this.
My dad took his own life at work, wasn't construction, but this story really gets me, I wish he had known a guy like you...
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I do hope that my story helps the next man.
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I am so sorry for your loss.
thank you, and thank you for the work you are doing now@@vincehafeli9691
why tf are you laugh reacting to this poor girls story?@@user-uv6uj6il3d
It's about time we talk more openly about mental health!
Thank you for sharing your story Vince! This is the kind of stuff that changes work culture.
The story about turning a personal struggle into a catalyst for change is truly inspiring. We all need to be part of the conversation on mental health.
Mental health support in the workplace can literally save lives, it's shocking that some kind of plan hasn't already been implemented for those in the construction industry.
I think it's really amazing to see someone in a leadership role advocating for change within their industry.
Mental health awareness is crucial, especially in high-stress jobs.
This dude's talk is raw and real. I've been swinging a hammer for over two decades, and it's refreshing to see someone addressing the mental toll this job can take. We're not just machines; we bleed and feel. Big props to this guy for breaking the silence.
Gosh my heart goes out to these men. I know I'm meant to be conditioned into thinking men are qarbaqe but I hear stories like this and think they have to deal with just as much as women do in terms of the toxic traits they're expected to adhere to.
This is so on point. Everyone I know who works in construction is so walled up they can't even say how are you without making it a joke
We make the change one person and one day at a time.
We often get lost in our material pursuits, but this speaker's journey, the loss, and the subsequent turnaround show the resilience of the human spirit. There's more to life than just the physical aspects.
I can't thank Vince enough for wanting to raise awareness around this... so many of the men in my family work construction and their mental health is a constant source of worry for me. The way they just laugh things off is so unnerving to me.
I'm just a high school student, and I stumbled upon this video. It's insane to think that people in the construction industry go through so much. Mental health is something we need to talk about more openly. This guy's story is a wake-up call for everyone, no matter your age
Many people are going to have big healing for how you speak. Is big healing to many.
My hope is to leave a better workplace than the one I entered 38 years ago.
I work in a construction office and the amount of stress and pressure on men in this industry is ridiculous. The amount of stories you hear and the alcoholism. It breaks my heart. They are good men and have people around them that love them but it's just too much burn out in the day to day. They are stretched too thin with no way of healthy coping
I'm so glad for him that his boss received his story so well, I think it goes to show we never know what another person reaction is going to be. So often we assume the worst because we've put our own lens of hyper self-criticism over our expectations of other people and realistically, people are actually pretty lovely when we give them the chance to show it.
I think it's really powerful when people in leadership roles share stories of their own struggles. Often you think of those in charge as these untouchable, so well put together people who have never struggled. I think it humanizes them in a way that's really special
I was talking to a friend who works as an engineer for a pretty prominent construction company and she was saying the way they overwork _everyone_ at _every_ level is just ridiculous. Like there's always another project to do, and if you're not up for it you're so easily replaced... just seems like a super tough industry.
This talk made me reflect on my own biases regarding mental health. It's a reminder that we all need to be more understanding and supportive.
My husband is looking to change careers and when construction came up I just knew it wouldn't be a good fit, definitely showing him this to back it up
What a touching and powerful story. It takes incredible courage to share such personal experiences. Thank you for raising awareness about mental health in the construction industry.
I can't imagine feeling forced to "stay tough" when I've just lost my brother, two sons and both my parents like ???? I would absolutely have fallen to bits
I can't explain what it did for my heart to hear him use his own story to advocate in that meeting, it absolutely goes so far to help people not feel ashamed of their own experiences.
Oh I love the way he's reframing it! Yes a lot of the time people equate mental health with mental illness but what he's saying about it, especially around the 8:30 mark is absolutely correct!!
for sure. It's the same as physical health vs illness
My little brother took his own life - he had been 2 years out of his apprenticeship when he took his own life. He had wanted to be a carpenter since he was kid. None of us knew how much he was bullied and chastised when he got his first full time gig. There were lots of other factors like the irregular working hours, lack of support.... You're doing amazing work Vince, thank you.
I'm so sorry to hear this 😢
Oh no
Yo, watching this vid was wild. Like, the speaker's been in the game for 37 years, longer than I've been alive! But his message about mental health is super important. We can't keep brushing stuff under the rug, you know? Props to him for breaking the stigma.
This is a wonderful conversation to be initiating! The state of our mental health as a collective is absolutely woeful. More awareness everywhere please!
This is definitely a step in the right direction.
The challenges are immense, and the pressure often feels unbearable. Sharing personal struggles is a game-changer.
Discussing it is a good start but we really need to be implementing procedures and resources for people to seek help externally and anonymously.
Well said.
I agree, changing workplace culture around mental health is long overdue.
there is real strength to be found in being vulnerable. the more we talk about it, the easier it gets.
You are spot on. Thank you for commenting.
I agree, but it can be so hard to take that first step in opening up to someone
Couldn't agree more, the way it gives permission for other people to do the same is so powerful.
Yes, the first time is the hardest but I agree it gets easier
@@darioconsolata8691 No harder than keeping it all bottled in
I wish there were more industry leaders driving change like this. The statistics speak for themselves on how important it is.
I agree, I think a lot of change is needed and not enough people are focusing on it
Going through the comments it's easy to see how shocked people are to hear this stuff and that's exactly why we should be talking about it
This is spot on. Lots going on in that industry that could be improved
I think this talk really challenges us to reconsider out perceptions of mental health, a lot of the time it's the ones we have no idea about that are in the most emotional pain.
I know there's triumph in this story but there's also so much sadness. Good on you Vince for not succumbing to it and now using your position to make a difference for others 👍
I have found that the more we normalise the conversation, the easier it is for people to speak up. Strength in numbers... and acceptance.
This proves that open conversations about mental health can save lives. Let's work together to create supportive environments in all industries.
Absolutely, by talking about it and creating that openness maybe more and more people will understand they're not alone in their struggles
I think most men can relate to keeping emotions hidden, it takes a lot of courage to go against all the conditioning we receive growing up
This is awesome and so heartening to hear there are more leaders on board with prioritizing the mental health of their employees.
Yes definitely a positive and something sorely needed!
And not just in construction but everywhere!!
Thank you for being so open about all this. It is a tough one for lots of people.
I can't imagine the weight you carried for so long. Your story reminds us that it's okay to seek help and share our struggles.
Absolutely and the more men like this that stand up and say hey, everyone struggles, the more quickly those boundaries will crumble
Breaking down the stigma around mental health in a traditionally 'tough' industry is a step in the right direction.
Thank You! Love from Estonia :)
This is a great talk Vince, way to put yourself out there
I just don't understand why there aren't more systems in place to ensure that workers in all industries have access to mental health support. Clearly it is needed.
My mission during the time I have left is to help address this. Thank you for commenting.
@@vincehafeli9691 keep speaking out Vince, it's needed.
This is a _much_ needed conversation. Thank you for having the courage to initiate it!
I agree. Men are often vilified but we suffer just as much, if not more than women
Yeah my dad worked in construction and I remember over the years a few guys he knew did this. I never really connected the dots that it was because of the job though
Vince, thanks for speaking for us man!
Thank you.
My Uncle was a first responder, took his life. He always seemed so weighed down
I'd be interested to see some studies about the mental health of people in construction as they are tearing a building down compared to when they are building one.
Vince thank you for sharing these alarming statistics. There needs to be more support in this industry.
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Yup. I'm not surprised by this at all. I worked construction straight out of school and it's not like I'm a simp or anything but some of the jokes and stories that would come up were pretty questionable. I think being in an environment like that where you feel pressure to laugh and go along with a culture you don't agree with is just compromising your dignity and that doesn't lead to anywhere good
This is so sad to hear about but hopefully we're entering a new era where the stigma of discussing issues like this is removed and we can start moving towards healing our society
Thank you for your kind words.
I can't understand how people look at or hear statistics like this and don't see how effed our society is.
I've know mental health can be perceived differently depending on where you are, but I've never really thought about it in terms of different industries. I can feel a little rabbit hole coming on...
I didn't know that the construction industry had such high suicide rates. What specific challenges make it more susceptible? It's essential to understand the root causes to develop effective solutions.
You have no idea...And they're only getting worse. Due to many developers going bust because of supply issues, lots of small traders are being put out of pocket large sums of money. It is very sad.
Thank you, Vince, for creating space for this powerful conversation and creating change. You are so inspiring!
Thank you for your kind words.
Your story is inspiring, but it also highlights the need for broader societal changes. Mental health discussions should extend beyond workplaces. Let's advocate for better mental health resources for everyone.
I think so too, we should be able to talk about it the same way we talk about physical health
This made me somewhat ashamed to admit I've never thought about the actual people who work on those big construction projects. Now that I am (thinking about it) it seems like it'd be such a tough job, literal hard work.
I don't think it's necessarily the fault of the industry but has something to do with the class system. People in lower classes are more likely to work blue collar jobs than they are white collar and people in lower classes also don't have the best opportunities, education, support systems and general quality of life so I think that needs to be considered here as well.
This is a problem everywhere. Everyone has a story about someone they knew who did this.
So powerful Brother 🙌🏻💙
I think this speaks to the incredibly toxic values we put on men. Honestly some of those dudes never had a chance.
I had no idea it was like this in construction? So many of the men in my family work construction jobs. This makes me pretty scared for them.
We need more systemic changes to truly tackle this issue, there is a lot of disparity between workplaces and industries.
That's so true, lot's of help available to some professions and not others.
Mental health is often overlooked in any male dominated industry... I can't imagine how isolated all these guys must feel.
Yup. Any industry where men are surrounded by men. I don't know why it brings out the worst in us
I've never heard about this as being a problem. Maybe they purposefully like to keep quiet about it so as not to discourage young men from going into this industry but it really should be looked at. Hopefully this is a step in the right direction.
Thank you.
Amen
I've seen a lot of this from the men around me, especially in my uncles and older cousins. My dad will get real with me sometimes but it's rare. I try to be open for my younger cousins though, and not perpetuate all the difficulties in opening up.
That's a really positive approach, keep setting that good example for them!
I can understand how many men would dismiss their feelings, bury them deep and "man up" in the hope they'll pass because they can't afford not to work.
I think a lot of people do this, not just men in this industry. Probably not just men either.
I don't think it's about not being able to afford not to work but more so not wanting to be seen as "soft" or incapable of getting a job done
@@iambruteforce Yeah, I know what you mean. I've seen my Iady call in sick no problem saying she just needs a mental health day. The thought of doing that... I'd rather just go in to work tbh
Damn this guys been through a lot.
Thank you Vince
Industry bodies need to be held accountable. Even if we are paid to do a job, there are certain systems that need to be in place to ensure we are protected.
Yes, and I think every workplace should have a service in place that provides some kind of free mental health plan
It's not just a problem in the industry, it's a problem with what we think is okay
100% agree with this
A hard topic and hard to live through
My hope is that one day, soon, society will accept suicidal thoughts as a natural part of our lives. Our range of emotions are like a rollercoaster ride. Up down, up down but it's normal.
I don't think that's something that should be normalized. Talked about, sure. But the idea that it's normal for a happy and healthy person to have thoughts like that is dangerous.
No, its not natural, you need Jesus. We need to talk about our challenges but we shouldn't desire to stay in them. Read the Bible. Bible says cast your cares upon the Lord because he cares for you
This is so valuable! Coming from a successful man in construction, that grew up in a generation that didn't understand mental health! I admire you and your mission!
Thank you. Please share the talk and spread the message.
@@vincehafeli9691😮😂😮😂😮😮😮🎉😮😮😮🎉🎉😮😮😮😢🎉😮😂😮😂😮😂😮😂،++
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@@vincehafeli9691ìam un happy
@@vincehafeli9691oo9oooo
In a society trapped in the throes of late-stage capitalism, mental health should be at the forefront of every workplace.
it should be, but sadly companies don't understand how important it is
Let's be honest here, the only way mental health will be included in OH&S is if people start suing their workplaces to the point where it becomes cheaper to implement than to pay out those seeking renumeration.
How about society stops demonizing men for being men, and take a cold hard look at societies’ insatiable yearning towards instant gratification. Is it really necessary to work 12-16 hrs a day, every day of the week for months on end????
What a powerful presentation.
Thank you Paul.
@@vincehafeli9691😊🥳lokal l lllpoplp
Parlour Pani video
Thank you, Vince. I truly appreciate your vulnerability in sharing your story. Advocating for us all to be better, kinder versions of ourselves.
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I wonder if it's the industry that causes it or if it's the type of people who are drawn to the industry in the first place.
I loved your Talk and vulnerability. As a man I know it's difficult to reveal the pain we often hold deep inside. This talk is so important!
Thank you for your kind words.
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So important to raise awareness on this!
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Kind of ashamed to say I've never given much thought for the conditions of people working in construction...
yeah and then thinking they lose 5 times that number to suicide.
Great talk Vince! Glad I got to finally see this!
Thank you for watching.
Please pass it along to others so we can push the message out.
Thank you
With this many construction workers taking their lives why haven't unions asked for mental health check ins for their members? Or is that showing weakness?
good question! I'm curious about this as well
I've heard the construction industry is a bit different in the states, like you might have to travel a couple towns over for work and be away from your family and friends for extended periods of time... surely that contributes in some way?
Thank you for sharing your story! This is such an important subject, and incredibly important that people know that these thoughts and feelings are not shameful, but human - and that openness can save both people in pain, and people left behind
Thank you for your words.
I hope that many more will watch and learn.
Thank you.
Words like yours help keep me moving forward in helping others.
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I'm really surprised by the 6:35 mark, like that he just got no response from anyone in that room? Obviously I'm not a man and I don't understand how tough it is for men to talk about feelings but not even like a "had no idea you felt that way" ?? "hope things are better for you now" ?? Just zero consolation... seems so harsh
I didn't know this was such a problem but everywhere mens mental health, it's not great