Mental health is a vital part of our overall well-being and its importance cannot be overlooked, especially in high-stress environments like the construction industry. On World Mental Health Day 2024, the theme is “Mental health at work” so we decided to explore the challenges faced by tradespeople and contractors alike. To begin with, we identify the signs to look out for, followed by what to do if you believe you or someone else might be struggling.
Understanding Mental Health Challenges in Construction
The construction industry is known for being demanding, with long hours, tight deadlines, physical exhaustion, and job insecurity, which all take a toll on mental well-being. According to a whitepaper from On The Tools, nearly 90% of construction workers have experienced stress or anxiety due to their work environment. Furthermore, the suicide rate among male construction workers is three times higher than the national average.
Signs of Mental Health Issues
It's crucial to recognise the early signs of mental health issues in order to provide timely support. Here is a list of some of the signs you should be looking out for:
- Persistent Sadness or Irritability: If you’re feeling down or are easily annoyed over long periods of time.
- Withdrawal: If you avoid social interactions and try to isolate yourself from others.
- Changes in Sleep Patterns: If you find yourself suffering from insomnia (you can’t sleep), or the opposite, you find yourself wanting to sleep a lot more than normal.
- Substance Abuse: If you find yourself drinking more alcohol, or you use drugs as a coping mechanism to make yourself feel better.
- Physical Symptoms: If you find you have unexplained aches, you feel fatigued, or you’ve noticed changes in appetite. For example, you don’t get hungry, or you’re eating a lot more than normal.
Steps for Addressing Mental Health Concerns
If you suspect that you or someone else might be struggling, here are some options you might want to consider:
Self-help
Taking part in self-care activities can really improve mental well-being. These could include regular exercise, eating a healthy balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and practicing mindfulness. All of these things can help manage stress and anxiety.
Talking About It
Opening up about your feelings can be really helpful, in some cases it could be quite therapeutic. Whether it's talking to a friend, a family member, or a colleague—sharing your thoughts can lighten the emotional load. A simple conversation could make all the difference.
Taking Part in Sports
Physical activity is not only beneficial for physical health but also boosts mental wellness. Joining a local sports club or participating in group activities can provide both exercise and social interaction. If you don’t feel confident to join a local team, try something as simple as going for a walk or getting outside for a bike ride. Even a walk in the rain with your favourite album playing in your ears can really boost your mental well-being.
Where to get Support
There are several organisations that offer specialised support for those in the construction industry. Below we have listed a few for you to check out:
- Band of Builders: This is a National Construction Charity, which provides three different types of support. They provide a range of free and confidential mental health and wellbeing services, including a text service if you’re feeling low or overwhelmed. Simply text ‘Bob’ to 85258 for support and guidance from a trained councillor, 24 hours a day. They also host events called ‘The Big Brew’ to encourage tradespeople to get together and talk. Furthermore, the charity provides home adaptations to those facing life-changing or limiting conditions and they also give financial grants to those in financial crisis.
- Andy's Man Club: This is a suicide prevention charity, which offers free, peer-to-peer support groups across the UK and online. The groups have been set up in an attempt to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health, and to help men through the power of conversation.
- The Lighthouse Club: They offer a wide range of support services, including a 24/7 helpline and text support services. They also offer a self-support app and support groups in your local area. The charity has a wellbeing academy and you can arrange for their team to visit you on the job.
- Construction Sport: This charity promotes physical activity as a means to improve mental well-being among construction workers. They also offer a 24-hour support service, which you can call or text.
In addition to industry-specific resources, there are general services available to everyone:
- Give Us a Shout: This a free text messaging service providing immediate support.
- Mind: They offer advice and information on various mental health issues.
- Samaritans: Provides confidential emotional support 24/7 via phone calls.
Conclusion
No one should feel alone when dealing with mental health challenges. Therefore it's important to check-in on colleagues regularly and encourage open conversations about mental well-being. Remember that help is always available—whether through industry-specific organisations like Band of Builders and Andy's Man Club, or general services like Mind and Samaritans. By fostering a supportive work environment, we can ensure that everyone has access to the help they need when they need it most.
