Mental Health Struggles in Construction Industry
- Mar 30, 2022
- 7 min read
Updated: Sep 6
Mental health struggles are a serious issue in the construction industry, with high rates of suicide, stress, and burnout. The demanding nature of the job, combined with the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic, have only made things worse for these essential workers. We need to create a culture of open communication and support for those who are struggling.
What are some common mental health issues in the construction industry?
Depression and anxiety are two of the most prevalent mental health issues in the construction industry. Depression affects around 15% of all workers in the United States, while anxiety disorders affect about 18% of the population. These numbers are even higher for those in the construction industry.
Keep reading for more information on the specific mental health challenges faced by construction workers and how they can be addressed. We'll also cover actionable tips for supporting your own mental well-being and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.
Exploring the Struggles with Depression, Anxiety, Fatigue, Burnout
The construction industry has long been plagued by mental health struggles. In fact, it has the highest suicide rate of any profession. And more than 80% of construction workers have experienced stress at work. This is in part due to the demanding and often dangerous nature of the job.
But working tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to support their families and communities has only exacerbated the stress, burnout and mental health struggles for these essential workers. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health struggles are common in the construction industry. Many don't seek help because they don't know where to turn. This needs to change.
We need to start talking more openly about mental health in the construction industry. We need to create a safe space for workers to share their struggles and seek help. And we need to provide resources and support for those who are struggling.
Suffering in Silence: Mental Health Struggles in the Construction Industry
Mental health is often viewed as a taboo topic, one that is uncomfortable to discuss. This is especially true in the construction industry, where workers are expected to be tough and unyielding. Unfortunately, this mentality leads many people in the industry to suffer in silence.
A recent study found that nearly 60% of construction workers reported struggling with mental health but only a third said they would communicate this to their employers. This is likely due, in part, to the fact that many construction workers feel like they need to be tough and can't show any weakness. This mentality can lead to depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. These conditions can be extremely debilitating and lead to burnout and even suicide.
It's time for the construction industry to start talking about mental health. We need to break the stigma surrounding mental health and create a culture where it is okay to seek help. Only then will we be able to address this issue head-on and help those who are suffering in silence.
Mental Health in the Construction Industry: The Result of Fatigue and Burnout
The construction industry is one of the most dangerous in the world. The likelihood of accidents is even greater when exhaustion is in the equation. When you are fatigued, your body is not performing as well as it could.
This can result in more mistakes, which increases the likelihood of accidents, resulting in more injuries and possible legal ramifications for yourself or your company. When struggling with fatigue and or burnout, it is hard to ask for a break.
Remember that without rest, and taking care of yourself you may not be able to retain your job in the first place.
In addition, job burnout has been shown to have a significant and negative correlation with job performance. This can also negatively affect relationships between colleagues. As mentioned earlier, when you are burned out it is hard to be your best self. You may become irritable and short tempered with those around you, which will only serve to worsen the situation. Colleagues may start to avoid you, or distance themselves, creating an even more hostile work environment.
Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health issues that plague the construction industry. It is estimated that depression affects about 15 percent of all workers in the United States. This number is even higher for those in the construction industry. Anxiety disorders are also very common, affecting about 18 percent of the population.
It is important to know that these numbers are just estimations, and that there are many people who suffer from these conditions and never report it.
Mental health issues can have a devastating effect on our lives. They can cause us to lose our jobs, our relationships, and our sense of self. The construction industry is one of the most at-risk industries for mental health issues. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety and to seek help if you are struggling. There is no shame in admitting that you need help, and there is no shame in seeking treatment.
Support your Own Mental Health
The construction industry has long been known for its high-stress work environment. This can lead to burnout, depression, and anxiety. In some cases, it can even lead to suicide. It's important to take care of your own mental health and be proactive in your own self-care.
There are a few things you can do to support your mental well-being:
Talk to your employer about mental health support programs. Many employers are now offering these programs, and they can be very helpful in managing stress and depression.
Make time for yourself. Make sure you schedule time for activities that make you happy and help you relax. This can be anything from reading to going for a walk to watching your favorite show.
Talk to someone. If you're feeling stressed or down, talk to a friend or family member. Talking about your feelings can help you feel better.
Seek professional help if needed. If your mental health is severely affecting your life, it's important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you manage your depression or anxiety and get back to feeling like yourself again.
The construction industry is slowly starting to recognize the importance of mental health. However, it's still up to us as workers to take care of our own mental health. Research from Health Shield shows that 57% of workers would feel more loyal to their jobs, be more productive and take less time off work if their employer supported their mental well-being. By supporting our own mental health, we can be happier and more productive employees.
Addressing the Stigma Mental Health
One in five Americans suffers from mental health conditions every year. However, only 41% of those people receive treatment. This is largely due to the stigma attached to mental health disorders. Mental health disorders are often seen as a sign of weakness when in reality they are illnesses just like any other physical illness.
Mental health disorders can affect anyone, regardless of race, age, or gender. Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health disorders, but there are many others. Some people may suffer from a combination of disorders. One person at a time, we can normalize this conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
• What percentage of construction workers have experienced stress at work?
More than 80% of construction workers have reported experiencing stress on the job.
Why do many construction workers not seek help for mental health issues? Many construction workers don't seek help because they feel they need to be tough and can't show any weakness, leading them to suffer in silence.
• How does fatigue and burnout affect job performance in the construction industry?
Fatigue and burnout have a significant negative correlation with job performance, which can lead to more mistakes, a higher likelihood of accidents, and can also strain relationships with colleagues.
• How many Americans suffer from a mental health condition each year?
One in five Americans suffers from a mental health condition annually.
• What percentage of construction workers said they would communicate a mental health struggle to their employers?
A study found that while nearly 60% of construction workers reported struggling with mental health, only a third said they would communicate this to their employers.
At Chateau Health and Wellness, we're dedicated to helping the construction industry confront the mental health challenges you've been reading about. We believe that addressing issues like depression, anxiety, and burnout is a shared responsibility, and our team is committed to providing a safe, supportive space for those who are struggling. If you or someone you know needs help, please don't suffer in silence. We are here to help you navigate this journey toward a healthier, happier life. Give us a call at (435) 222-5225; we're ready to stand with you.
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About The Author
Austin Pederson, Executive Director of Chateau Health and Wellness
Brings over eight years of experience revolutionizing mental health and substance abuse treatment through compassionate care and innovative business strategies. Inspired by his own recovery journey, Austin has developed impactful programs tailored to individuals facing trauma and stress while fostering comprehensive support systems that prioritize holistic wellness. His empathetic leadership extends to educating and assisting families, ensuring lasting recovery for clients and their loved ones.
Danny Warner, CEO of Chateau Health and Wellness
Brings a wealth of experience in business operations, strategic alliances, and turnaround management, with prior leadership roles at Mediconnect Global, Klever Marketing, and WO Investing, Inc. A graduate of Brigham Young University in Economics and History, Danny has a proven track record of delivering results across diverse industries. His most transformative role, however, was as a trail walker and counselor for troubled teens at the Anasazi Foundation, where he directly impacted young lives, a personal commitment to transformation that now drives his leadership at Chateau.
Ben Pearson, LCSW - Clinical Director
With 19 years of experience, Ben Pearson specializes in adolescent and family therapy, de-escalation, and high-risk interventions. As a former Clinical Director of an intensive outpatient program, he played a key role in clinical interventions and group therapy. With 15+ years in wilderness treatment and over a decade as a clinician, Ben has helped countless individuals and families navigate mental health and recovery challenges.
