There has been an intense focus on mental health on and off the job in recent years and far less stigma. The construction field has one of the highest suicide rates of any profession. Many battle with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues every day. There are widely available resources to address these issues.

Construction workers at higher risk

There are several reasons mental health issues plague construction workers at a higher rate. One, it is a male-dominated industry. Traditionally, men value toughness and may feel too much shame or fear of being judged to come forward with their problems. Therefore, they often let issues compound and become worse. This may be one of the factors contributing to a higher suicide rate among men compared to women. Although there has been less stigma around mental health issues in recent years, men in construction still seem hesitant to seek help.

Also consider the stressful nature of construction work. Employees frequently put in long hours away from their homes and families. These factors can lead to an increase in fatigue, loneliness, anxiety and depression. Construction and electrical work are also often cyclical or seasonal. This leaves workers with limited to no job control or security, resulting in additional stress, mental strain or worry about financial circumstances.

Construction and electrical work can be physically demanding. The toll it takes on the body can cause chronic pain and affect mental health. In many cases, this can lead to use or abuse of painkillers/opioids or alcohol as a coping mechanism and may result in chemical dependence, which can worsen mental health issues.

Additionally, many workers will experience traumatic incidents, near-misses or even loss of colleagues on the job. Consider the dangers of the construction industry. The aftermath of these experiences can have an immense mental and emotional impact that individuals carry long after the incident. It can cause anxiety, depression or PTSD. 

PTSD

According to the Mayo Clinic, PTSD is “caused by an extremely stressful or terrifying event,” and it can be a result whether a person is part of the event or witnesses it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

PTSD can manifest in four different ways: intrusion, avoidance, alterations in cognition and mood, and changes in arousal and reactivity. Intrusion happens when workers have flashbacks, involuntary memories of the incident or relive it in dreams. People may demonstrate avoidance by steering clear of people, places, activities, objects or situations that trigger memories of the trauma. An alteration in cognition and mood can cause an inability to remember the traumatic event or pieces of it. Additionally, it can result in a distorted view of the incident and detachment and can lead to persisting fear, horror, anger, guilt or shame. Arousal and reactive symptoms might include anger, irritability and reckless or self-destructive behavior. Anyone experiencing these symptoms can also have trouble concentrating or sleeping.

PTSD can exacerbate or lead to additional mental health conditions. However, treatments such as therapy, coping mechanisms or medication can improve or remedy these ailments. Encouragingly, record numbers of individuals are seeking help.

Checking in on the job

Employers should create and maintain a caring culture that makes workers feel valued and comfortable speaking up when experiencing mental health challenges. Employers may also provide mental health training for managers and employees. Having an employee assistance program in place is extremely helpful and valuable. 

Communicating the importance of good mental health can be done through toolbox talks, posters, fact sheets, wallet cards, newsletters or hard hat stickers. Managers and colleagues should regularly check in with each other.

There are numerous warning signs that may indicate when workers are struggling with mental health issues. These include chronic fatigue, low morale, difficulty concentrating, exhibiting anger, lack of motivation or obvious sadness. Employers or workers who observe these symptoms in their colleagues should encourage them to seek help or talk to someone.

Finally, take a few minutes to check in with yourself and make sure you’re mentally in a good place. If not, take the steps to get yourself in a better place and seek one of the many resources available to get healthier. Anyone can call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 24/7. It’s OK not to be OK.

If you or someone you know is in crisis and would like emotional support, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 to speak to a trained counselor. 

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