In an industry known for building structures that withstand the elements, the toughest challenges are often the emotional ones. The construction industry faces a hidden crisis claiming more lives than workplace accidents ever could.
The Shocking Reality Behind Hard Hats
Construction workers are six times more likely to die by suicide than from workplace accidents. While this statistic is alarming it is also a call to action that Dave Garske answered after experiencing the most devastating loss imaginable.
“You can’t run away from it. You can try to hide it. You can try to tuck it away in a convenient little corner. But, it’s always there,” says Garske in a powerful recent interview with KPTV.
When “Tough” Becomes Too Much
Three years ago, Dave lost his brother Greg to suicide. Despite being “larger than life” and “the life of the party,” Greg had been silently battling mental health issues – a struggle kept hidden beneath the industry’s tough-guy exterior.
The construction industry has the second-highest suicide rate of any profession. Only workers in the most isolated and dangerous environments – coal mines and oil rigs – face higher risks.
The demanding physical work combined with a culture that often equates vulnerability with weakness creates the perfect storm for mental health struggles to go unaddressed.
Turning Grief into Purpose
Rather than retreating into silence, Dave and his family made a courageous choice:
“Our answer was, we’re going to talk about it, we’re going to put it right out in the open and we’re going to try to understand it. We’re going to share our feelings; we’re going to be vulnerable.”
This commitment led Dave to partner with Lines for Life. Together with the Construction Suicide Prevention Partnership, they’re challenging the industry’s long-held beliefs about strength and vulnerability.
A New Blueprint for Mental Health
Lines for Life offers a comprehensive approach to mental health support through:
- Crisis intervention services including specialized support lines for various needs.
- Community education reaching underserved communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQ+ groups.
- YouthLine – a teen-to-teen crisis support line with phone, text, and chat options.
The organization emphasizes a professional yet warm, community-forward tone that adapts to different audiences. This aligns perfectly with Dave’s mission to transform the construction industry’s approach to mental health.
Building a Stronger Foundation
“I think we’re all going through something,” Dave reflects. “We all have something in our lives, and we choose not to deal with it a lot of times.”
Those unaddressed issues can escalate into addiction, conflict, frustration, depression, or anxiety. Dave’s message is clear: “It’s time to stop hiding from it, and it’s time to start talking about it. And it’s time to start helping each other.”
The Strength in Vulnerability
This Mental Health Awareness Month, Dave’s story reminds us that true strength is found in speaking up. The toughest people are those who are willing to share their struggles.
If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that help is available. Visit Lines for Life for resources or dial 988 for immediate support.
Share this article to help break the stigma around mental health in your community. Because sometimes, the most important conversations are the hardest ones to start.
This blog post was inspired by Dave Garske’s story as featured on KPTV and the comprehensive work of Lines for Life in mental health advocacy.
