The recent news about celebrity suicides serves as an important reminder that medical depression has no boundaries; it affects young and old, men and women, every ethnicity and all rungs on the socio-economic spectrum. We look at someone like an Anthony Bourdain or Kate Spade, and think  these people had everything to live for. But, from the outside looking in, we can never truly understand the hopelessness and despair that causes someone to take that final drastic measure. 

The construction industry as a whole has the second highest suicide rate of all occupations, behind only the forest service. This is one of the reasons the Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust created a hotline where members can call to do anything from vent frustrations to get professional mental health counseling.

The hotline is open 24 hours, seven days a week to any member or their family that needs it. The voice at the other end is Daria Todor, ACSW, LCSW-C, MAC, a licensed social worker and addictions counselor. Daria has experience as an employee assistance program counselor and worked with Washington, D.C.-area airline employees after the Sept. 11 attacks.

We know the first call can be the most difficult. But we urge you to take that first step. Should you feel the need to speak with a trained professional, our hotline number is always open at 877-884-6227. All calls are strictly confidential