Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in the Oil and Gas Extraction Industry

Summary

Dr. John Dehunsi, a psychiatric health professional at OSHA, presents on mental health and suicide prevention in the oil and gas extraction industry. The talk highlights the high rates of mental health disorders and suicide in this workforce, emphasizing the need for awareness, support, and resources. Key strategies include normalizing conversations about mental health, addressing stigma, and offering tools to foster meaningful conversations. Dr. Dehunsi also discusses the role of industry leaders in implementing education, providing resources, and creating a supportive work environment to prevent mental health crises and improve employee well-being.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mental health encompasses social, psychological, and emotional well-being, impacting how individuals think, feel, act, and manage stress, including at work.
• 😀 Mental health disorders in the workforce include mood disorders, anxiety, stress-related disorders, and substance use disorders, with specific focus on depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use.
• 😀 Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the U.S., and in the oil and gas extraction industry, suicide rates are nearly double compared to other industries.
• 😀 There are various factors that may increase the risk of mental health disorders and suicide, including biological, psychological, clinical, social, and environmental factors.
• 😀 The oil and gas extraction industry has unique psychosocial stressors, such as long shifts, remote work locations, high cognitive demands, fatigue, and social isolation, which contribute to increased mental health concerns.
• 😀 Men in the oil and gas industry are at a higher risk for suicide due to cultural stigma around seeking help and the challenges of recognizing mental health issues in male workers.
• 😀 Normalizing mental health conversations and reducing stigma around emotional expression are essential steps to creating a safe work environment and encouraging employees to seek help.
• 😀 Educating employees about mental health and suicide prevention, including providing resources such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), is key to offering support and mitigating risks.
• 😀 Non-verbal communication is just as important as verbal communication in addressing mental health concerns, as it helps build trust and encourage openness among coworkers.
• 😀 Industry leaders and coworkers should be proactive in offering support to employees showing signs of mental distress or suicidal thoughts by using non-judgmental language and encouraging them to seek professional help.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Dr. John Dehunsi's presentation?

Dr. John Dehunsi's presentation focuses on mental health and suicide prevention in the oil and gas extraction industry workforce, with an emphasis on identifying psychosocial stressors, providing tools for support, and discussing resources to address mental health concerns in the workplace.

What are the key objectives of Dr. Dehunsi's presentation?

The key objectives include reviewing statistics on mental health and suicide, identifying psychosocial stressors in the oil and gas industry, providing guidance on supporting workers' mental health, fostering meaningful conversations about mental health, and discussing resources for addressing employee needs.

What does mental health encompass, according to Dr. Dehunsi?

Mental health encompasses an individual's social, psychological, and emotional well-being, affecting how we think, feel, and act, and influencing how we handle stress in various areas of life, including the workplace.

What are the most prevalent mental health disorders in the U.S. workforce?

The most prevalent mental health disorders in the U.S. workforce include mood disorders (like major depressive disorder), anxiety-related disorders (such as generalized anxiety disorder), stress-related disorders (including acute and post-traumatic stress disorder), and substance use disorders (like alcohol and opioid use disorders).

What are the statistics for suicide deaths in the United States?

In 2020, suicide was the 12th leading cause of death in the U.S., with 45,979 deaths, equivalent to one death every 11 minutes. Suicide was the 5th leading cause of death among individuals aged 35 to 54, a demographic that aligns with the average age of oil and gas extraction industry workers.

Why is the oil and gas extraction industry at higher risk for suicide?

The oil and gas extraction industry has a higher suicide rate compared to other industries, with nearly double the rate, due to factors such as high job stress, long working hours, remote work environments, and the industry's male-dominated nature where men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues.

What are some common psychosocial stressors faced by workers in the oil and gas extraction industry?

Psychosocial stressors in the oil and gas extraction industry include work-related stress (e.g., communication issues, conflicts, long shifts), cognitive demands, remote work environments leading to isolation, fatigue, and emotional exhaustion. These stressors can contribute to burnout and mental health struggles.

What are the three main phases of Dr. Dehunsi’s approach to addressing mental health in the workplace?

Dr. Dehunsi outlines three main phases: Phase 1 focuses on normalizing, understanding, and asking about mental health, including fostering open conversations and addressing stigma. Phase 2 involves educating, providing support, and offering resources. Phase 3 emphasizes engaging local organizations and implementing preventive measures in workplace policies.

What is the significance of normalizing mental health conversations in the oil and gas industry?

Normalizing mental health conversations helps reduce stigma, creates a safe space for employees to express concerns, and encourages individuals who may be struggling to seek help. It is particularly important in the male-dominated oil and gas industry, where there is a cultural stigma against emotional expression and seeking help.

How should employers support workers who may be at risk for suicide?

Employers should listen empathetically without judgment, offer support, and connect employees to appropriate resources. Asking direct questions about suicide risk, such as 'Are you thinking about hurting yourself?' is essential, as it could be the difference between someone getting the help they need or not.