Mental health issues remain prominent in the construction industry with the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbating longstanding problems. Job instability is a huge contributing factor to mental health issues, and that itself has become synonymous with the virus outbreak. For those struggling to cope under these uniquely challenging circumstances, there are organisations offering support.
Whilst physical safety is often considered in the construction industry, protecting mental health is less commonly considered. Suicide reportedly kills more industry workers than work-related falls every year. Reports also show that a massive 73% of all construction workers feel that their employers were not apt at recognising or understanding early signs of mental health troubles, or offering support.
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Building Mental Health is an initiative led by industry experts to tackle the issue of mental health in construction. The group describe their purpose, stating:
‘The purpose is to provide a flexible and consistent framework to enable all parts of the construction sector to access mental health support, provide awareness and training and put in place a structure and systems to support people working in and around our industry.’
If you’re struggling with mental health issues yourself, there are numerous hotlines available to help you when times get tough. The Samaritans offer ‘a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you’, and can be contacted on 116 123. The Construction Industry Helpline ‘advises on a range of matters including occupational health and wellbeing, support and advice for people with stress, and home worries such as divorce, tax and financial concerns.’ as well as being able to offer emergency financial aid. The Construction Industry Helpline can be contacted on 0345 605 1956.