Mental Health in Construction: Breaking the Stigma, Building Support

Mental health in the construction industry is an incredibly pressing issue that has reached critical levels. Known for its high-pressure environments, physical toughness, long hours, and transient workforce, construction presents unique challenges to mental well-being. With these challenges come high rates of stress, anxiety, and depression among workers that continue to be largely unaddressed. Keep reading to learn about how you can best support your teams and coworkers in creating an open conversation around mental health and foster an environment that promotes wellbeing.

Hidden crisis

Statistics show four in five suicides are by men, with suicide being the leading cause of death of men under 35. The UK construction industry employs over 2.7 million people- roughly 8% of the national workforce, yet mental health remains a hidden crisis in the sector. In 2020, construction workers were reported to experience suicide rates 3.7 times higher than the national average. Factors contributing to this crisis include:

• Job insecurity
• Long hours
• Time away from family
• A culture that often discourages emotional vulnerability

Construction work is often physically demanding and time-pressured, with long hours, tight deadlines, and financial insecurity – all adding to stress levels. Many construction workers are also self-employed or on short-term contracts, limiting their access to sick pay, mental health support, or regular medical care. Zero-hour contracts and short-term project-based work contribute to increased financial instability and uncertainty about the future, both of which are major predictors for poor mental health. Moreover, travel away from home and family for extended periods is common, leading to social isolation.

Breaking the mental health stigma

The male-dominated nature of the construction industry, compromising 87% of the all construction workers, increases the impacts of  traditional masculine norms which can discourage open conversations about feelings or mental distress, reinforcing the idea that asking for help is a sign of weakness. In such an environment, mental health struggles remain undetected until it’s too late.

“Man up” is one of the most damaging phrases in construction. It shuts people down and stops conversations before they start. It feeds the exact culture that keeps workers suffering in silence. This isn’t about sensitivity- it’s about being human.

One of the biggest steps the industry can take is breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Campaigns such as ‘Mates in Mind’ and ‘Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity’ strive to remove this life-threatening stigma.

Campaigns like Mates in Mind, launched in partnership with the British Safety Council, have led the way in promoting mental health education and challenging stigma. By integrating mental health into health and safety frameworks, these initiatives encourage open dialogue on-site.

Support for mental health in construction must go beyond awareness campaigns to truly make a noticeable and long-lasting difference. To make a real difference, it must come from within the industry. Systematic change is needed to prioritise well-being into the industry’s foundation. This includes:

• Leadership commitment: Senior leaders must visibly prioritise mental health, integrating it into company policies and decision-making.
• Accessible services: 24/7 helplines, such as those offered by Lighthouse Club, provide free, confidential support for construction workers and their families.
• Regular check-ins: Site managers and supervisors should be trained to spot early signs of mental distress and foster a culture of care and empathy.
• Normalise conversations: Encourage open dialogue about mental health, reducing the stigma associated with seeking help while also building a sense of community in the workspace.
• Physical health support: Promote physical activity through on-site fitness facilities and team sports fostering social connections, boosting mood, and promoting a sense of belonging.

In summary

Breaking the stigma and creating positive change cannot be dome by just talking; change is made from listening, understanding and acting. Mental health must become a built-in part of every project, contract, and conversation. Only then can the industry build not just structures, but supportive, sustainable workplaces for everyone.