{"id":75510,"date":"2023-10-16T15:59:20","date_gmt":"2023-10-16T19:59:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smart-union.org\/?p=75510"},"modified":"2023-10-16T15:59:20","modified_gmt":"2023-10-16T19:59:20","slug":"smohit-expands-mental-health-helpline-service","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smart-union.org\/smohit-expands-mental-health-helpline-service\/","title":{"rendered":"SMOHIT expands mental health helpline service","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust (SMOHIT<\/a>) Helpline, available 24 hours a day at 877-884-6227 to SMART members and their immediate families, was put in place long before COVID-19 disrupted the world. The idea for the hotline emerged when stressors from an uncertain economy and a slew of natural disasters created financial and personal stress for many. Then, the pandemic brought unprecedented levels of hardship and anxiety, along with feelings of isolation and loneliness, to a workforce already facing significant risk of mental health problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One way to address the problems facing members was to expand access to mental health professionals<\/a> via a helpline. The SMOHIT Helpline has provided a safe and confidential space where members, and\/or their families, can talk to a trained mental health professional about their concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Jeremy Holburn, who heads the SMOHIT Helpline, SMART recognized that an increase in call volume necessitated an expansion. In response, SMOHIT added a second staffer, J.D. Sparks, to answer calls on the weekends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Jeremy Holburn, SMOHIT Helpline<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cOur call volume is increasing,\u201d Holburn said. \u201cThat\u2019s a good thing because we\u2019re reaching more people, and that increase shows a breaking down of mental health stigma. We\u2019re finally getting it through to people that making a call to deal with your mental health is not a sign of weakness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Holburn noted the helpline may be just a first step for some people, or it can be a one-time safe space for people to talk out a single issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019re there to listen and provide support to anyone who is struggling,\u201d he said. \u201cSometimes, we need to pair a caller with a local healthcare provider, which can take time. Sometimes, we can just provide a sympathetic ear, an authentic safe space for people to talk it out. Situations are unique.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The SMOHIT Helpline offers immediate support and can be very helpful in crisis situations. The expanded helpline also remains free of charge. Any SMART member can access the service, regardless of their current situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the benefits of the helpline is confidentiality. Allowing callers to retain their anonymity, Holburn noted, can provide relief to individuals who may feel too embarrassed or ashamed to seek help in person. They may be more comfortable discussing their concerns over the phone or online as a first step. People can feel safe talking about their feelings without fear of judgment or repercussions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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