I.A.T.S.E. Local 477
I.A.T.S.E. Local 477
 

×
Register an Account
Forgot Login?
Mental Health Safety
Aug 27, 2023

IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGERCALL 9-1-1

Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Hotlines:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 9-8-8 OR 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

  • Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741

  • Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (Press 1)

Domestic Abuse Hotlines:

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)

  • Florida's Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-500-1119

  • The Network/La Red (LGBTQ+ Domestic Violence Hotline): 1-617-742-4911

Addiction and Gambling Hotlines:

  • Florida's Substance Abuse Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357)

  • Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling Helpline: 888-ADMIT-IT (888-236-4848)

We are committed to promoting mental health safety and well-being within our community. The demanding nature of the entertainment industry can place immense pressure on our members. Mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, domestic abuse, and addiction, can profoundly impact the well-being of our members. Therefore, it is imperative that we prioritize mental health safety and provide essential resources to support our members' mental well-being.

Understanding Mental Health

Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, as well as how we handle stress, make choices, and interact with others. Just like physical health, mental health is crucial for a fulfilling and productive life. Taking care of our mental health is essential for maintaining overall well-being.

Statistics

  • Depression and Suicide:

    • Approximately 15% of workers in the entertainment industry, including film professionals, have experienced symptoms of depression. The high-pressure and demanding nature of film production can contribute to mental health challenges.
    • Suicidal thoughts are a significant concern among individuals in the film industry, impacting artists, crew members, and all those involved in film production.
  • Anxiety:

    • Around 10% of entertainment industry professionals, including those in the film sector, have reported struggling with anxiety-related issues. The fast-paced and unpredictable environment of filmmaking can intensify anxiety levels.

  • Domestic Abuse:

    • There were approximately 100,000 reported incidents of domestic violence in Florida during a previous year.
    • Domestic violence centers in Florida provided services to over 60,000 survivors and answered more than 176,000 hotline calls in the fiscal year 2019-2020.
    • There were 160 domestic violence-related fatalities in Florida during the fiscal year 2019-2020.
  • Addiction and Gambling:

    • Florida reported around 4,900 opioid-related overdose deaths in 2019, reflecting the severity of the opioid crisis in the state.
    • Approximately 7.9% of Florida adults had a past-year alcohol use disorder, while about 2.5% had a past-year illicit drug use disorder in 2019.
    • In 2020, the state's gambling helpline received over 5,700 calls from individuals seeking assistance with gambling-related problems.
    • Over 2,300 Floridians received treatment for gambling addiction during 2020.

Behind the Scenes Foundation Resources

The Behind the Scenes Foundation is a valuable resource for entertainment industry professionals, offering specialized support to address mental health challenges. Some of their essential resources include:

  1. Entertainment Industry Therapist Finder (EITF): This directory connects members to mental health professionals experienced in working with individuals from the entertainment industry. It allows you to find therapists based on various criteria, ensuring a tailored approach to your needs

  2. Anonymous Behavioral Health Self-Assessment Screening: This tool enables you to assess whether you or someone you care about may benefit from professional mental health support. The screening is completely anonymous, private, and a quick way to identify potential concerns.

  3. iRel8 Peer Support: A 24/7 anonymous chat platform that allows members to connect with peers in the industry, providing a safe space to share experiences and seek support.

  4. Mental Health First Aid: Skills-based training to identify, understand, and respond to mental health challenges. Equips individuals to provide initial help and support, connecting those in need to appropriate care.


Download:


Depression/Suicide
Anxiety
Domestic Abuse
Addiction

Understanding Suicide

Depression and suicide are serious and complex issues closely interrelated with mental health challenges. Recognizing the warning signs and providing assistance to those at risk are crucial steps in addressing these significant concerns.

Statistics

Depression:

  • According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2019, approximately 8.4% of adults in Florida experienced a major depressive episode in the past year.
  • The Florida Department of Health reported that in 2019, there were around 7,200 hospitalizations related to mood disorders, which include depression.

Suicide:

  • According to the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics, in 2019, there were 3,427 suicide deaths in Florida. This represented a rate of approximately 16.1 suicides per 100,000 population.
  • Suicide was the eighth leading cause of death in Florida in 2019.

Recognizing Warning Signs

Look for the following behaviors that may be signs of suicide risk:

  • Talking about killing oneself or wanting to die; searching for ways to self-harm.
  • Referring to others being better off without them or having no reason to live.
  • Mentioning feelings of hopelessness, being trapped, or unbearable pain.
  • Talking about feelings of guilt and shame or being a burden to others.
  • Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
  • Sleeping too little or too much.
  • Withdrawing or feeling isolated.
  • Extreme mood swings, showing rage, or talking about revenge.
  • Wrapping up loose ends, giving away personal items, and saying goodbye to loved ones.

Supporting Someone in Crisis

If you believe someone is at risk of suicide, take the following steps:

  1. Ask: Be honest and ask open-ended questions to get the person talking. Listening attentively and non-judgmentally is essential.
  2. Be There: Ensure that the person's next steps are not self-destructive. Offer support and encourage regular social connection.
  3. Keep Them Safe: Establish means they are considering and work to create distance between the person and lethal means.
  4. Help Them Connect: Encourage seeking professional help and involve them in identifying support sources.
  5. Follow Up: Regularly check in to maintain connection and offer support.

Helpline Numbers and Resources

If you or someone you know is in crisis or struggling with suicidal thoughts, do not hesitate to reach out for help:

  1. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
  2. Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741

I.A.T.S.E. Local 477
4101 Ravenswood Road, Suite 108-109
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312
  305/594-8585

Top of Page image
Powered By UnionActive - Copyright © 2024. All Rights Reserved.