You Are No Longer Alone

Our Story

Mental health, suicide, and addiction issues have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, and amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadians have been experiencing increased mental health concerns and substance use [1]. While many have been affected by this crisis, it has disproportionately impacted the construction and trades workforces.

Substance use and mental health concerns are critical issues for any industry in Canada. While research suggest these issues are common in all sectors, the risks are often higher within construction and trades industries [2].

You Are No Longer Alone was first inspired by members of Barrie UA Local 46, where individuals posted these words on their jobsite, for all to see. It represents standing up to combat addiction and mental health issues within the construction industry, where individuals struggling may often feel alone. De Novo was inspired by their actions and wanted to help re-create this act of solidary industry wide.

As the sole substance use treatment service to the construction and building trades of Ontario, De Novo Treatment Centre has firsthand seen the effects of the addiction and suicide crisis. In March of 2021, our research team set out to understand the causes and drivers of these issues within our industry. As a result, the You Are No Longer Alone resource hub was founded.

Our Purpose

Our purpose is to shed light on substance use and mental health issues within the construction industry, by highlighting available, accessible, and effective supports. You Are No Longer Alone serves as a resource hub for national and provincial resources while also providing addiction, mental health, and suicide prevention education.

When it comes to mental health and addiction, many people may think they are long-term issues. In reality, the struggle can be a lot more temporary by seeking support. Mental health and addiction issues are all treatable, and they have the potential to be only temporary for most individuals.

Our Beliefs

Addiction and suicide prevention starts with educating yourself and others, understanding the gravity of the information, and coming together as a community to address the problem.

  • Education: We recognize that education and continuous learning is essential to first understanding, then combating addiction and mental health issues. Learning changes minds and lives.
  • Understanding: We believe in suspending judgment so that one can understand and appreciate others’ perspectives or situations when they are different from their own. When we try to understand one another, community forms.
  • Community: We recognize that no single person or idea can solve complex challenges and believe that people working together can create greater impact than any one individual or organization can accomplish alone.

You Are No Longer Alone

You Are No Longer Alone is an inspiring half hour documentary discussing the top five drivers of addiction and suicide in the construction industry identified by De Novo’s recent research project. The video features members and leaders in the trades who openly share their personal experiences and highlight positive changes to shift the culture to one of support. The documentary also provides an overview of the drug and alcohol treatment supports provided to the Ontario construction and building trades through De Novo Treatment Centre.

Did You know?
Nearly one-third of all opioid-related deaths in Ontario among those employed were from the construction industry [3]
Fact
By the time Canadians reach the age of 40, 1 in 2 have – or will have had – a mental illness [4]
Fact
People with a mental illness are twice as likely to have a substance use problem compared to the general population [5]
Fact
Studies show that stigma usually arises from lack of awareness, lack of education, lack of perception, and the nature and complications of the mental illness or issue [6]
Fact
50% of people experiencing an addiction say that being worried about what other people will think of them prevents them from seeking help [7]

Citations

[1]: https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-health-and-covid-19/covid-19-national-survey

[2]: Vancouver Island Construction Association & Percival-Paterson, E. (2021). Tailgate toolkit: Stakeholder engagement summary 2021. Victoria, BC: Vancouver Island Construction Association and Island Health

[3]: Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion (Public Health Ontario); Office of the Chief Coroner; Ontario Forensic Pathology Service & Ontario Drug Policy Research Network. (2019). Opioid mortality surveillance report: Analysis of opioid-related deaths in Ontario July 2017-June 2018. Toronto, ON: Queen’s Printer for Ontario.

[4]: Smetanin et al. (2011). The life and economic impact of major mental illnesses in Canada: 2011-2041. Prepared for the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Toronto: RiskAnalytica.

[5]: Rush et al. (2008). Prevalence of co-occurring substance use and other mental disorders in the Canadian population. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 53: 800-9.

[6]: Arboleda-Florez J. (2002). What causes stigma? World Psychiatry, 1:25–6.

[7]: McQuaid, R.J., Malik, A., Moussouni, K., Baydack, N., Stargardter, M., & Morrisey, M. (2017). Life in recovery from addiction in Canada. Ottawa, Ont.: Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction.