World Mental Health Day in October focused on the theme “Mental Health at Work.” This theme was particularly relevant during a Trends in Construction session at the 2024 Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network Convention, where mental health in the construction industry was discussed. EAE learned about the extent of mental health concerns within the construction industry while attending the CREW convention in September.
The Numbers
A 2020 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) study reported that the construction industry has the second-highest suicide rate among major industries. In part because of the CDC study and this troubling statistic, conversations about mental health trends in the construction industry are now happening. A Data Bulletin published by The Center for Construction and Research Training (CPWR) stated that in a 2021 study, 1 in 6 construction workers reported having anxiety or depression based on symptoms or medication. However, only 15.7% of these construction workers reported seeing a mental health professional within the last year, and within the overall construction industry, only 4.8% reported seeing a mental health professional within the last year.
The Why
Many factors can lead to higher suicide rates and mental health concerns in the construction industry. Financial pressure due to seasonal, cyclical, or transient work, lack of job control, extended time away from family, fatigue from working long hours and overtime, or chronic pain from the physical demands of construction jobs can negatively impact a person’s mental well-being. Additionally, the stigma surrounding mental health struggles may discourage someone from getting the help they need, which may lead to unhealthy coping methods such substance abuse. It is also important to acknowledge that personal challenges unrelated to work can significantly impact mental health.
The Call to Action
In 2020, the CDC reported that the suicide rate among the United States working-age population increased by 40% in less than two decades and recognized that every industry can play a role in lowering the suicide rate among working-age individuals.
A crucial step in addressing mental health concerns is to remove the stigma attached to mental health issues. Companies can promote mental health awareness and encourage employees to seek support from qualified medical professionals. A 2021 survey conducted by the American Psychiatric Association Foundation Center for Workplace Mental Health found that “94% of all survey respondents recognize the importance of sharing mental health resources with workers to raise mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage people to get help when it’s needed.” Organizations such as The Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention have been established to de-stigmatize mental health issues, raise awareness about suicide prevention, and to provide tools and resources for supporting those in the construction industry. Mental health is an essential part of a person’s overall well-being and now more than ever, is the time to foster healthier workplace environments.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline – The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7/365
Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer Crisis Counselor
Sources:
World Health Organization World Mental Health Day 2024, “Mental Health at Work” (https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2024)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention MMWR, Weekly/Vol. 69/No. 3, “Suicide Rates by Industry and Occupation – National Violent Death Reporting System, 32 States, 2016”, January 24, 2020 (https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/pdfs/mm6903a1-H.pdf)
The Center for Construction and Research Training (CPWR), Data Bulletin, ”Mental Health Trends in the Construction Industry: A Look at Anxiety, Depression, Psychological Distress, Suicides, and Overdoses”, September 2024 (https://www.cpwr.com/wp-content/uploads/DataBulletin-September2024.pdf)
American Psychiatric Association Foundation, Center for Workplace Mental Health, “Mental Health and Well-being in the Construction Industry 2021 Pulse Survey” (https://workplacementalhealth.org/employer-resources/guides-and-toolkits/mental-health-and-well-being-in-the-construction-i)
American Society of Safety Professionals, “What Can We Do to Address Mental Health in the Construction Industry?”, June18, 2024 (https://www.assp.org/news-and-articles/what-can-we-do-to-address-mental-health-in-the-construction-industry)
This post was authored by Tracy Cooper, Environmental Project Manager at Environmental Advisors and Engineers, Inc. For further inquiry, please contact us at info@eaei.com.
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