Construction has come a long way in addressing mental health in construction, yet suicide figures remain a stark reminder that there is much more to do. James Garbett, Mates in Mind, discusses how we can continue to break down the stigma
The construction suicide toll in 2022 was 25 more than the previous five-year average of 482.
The latest number equates to 34 per 100,000 in employment – up from 26 per 100,000 seven years ago.
It was previously said that suicides within the construction industry were three times higher than the national industry average; however, the latest data indicates that workers within construction are now nearly four times more likely to take their own lives in comparison to those in other sectors.
Rates of suicide in the construction industry are on an upward trajectory
While mental health in construction is a much more discussed topic than it was five years ago, the issue continues to persist and, unfortunately, worsen with the long-term rate of suicides on an upward trajectory for those within the industry despite more voices highlighting the importance of this subject.
Construction has always been an industry that has had a number of pressures, from the masculine macho culture that lies at the heart of it, where many find it difficult to admit they are struggling, to other factors such as time away from families, long hours, tight deadlines and more.
Now with a turbulent economic climate, these factors worsen, with high costs forcing some companies to work at a loss, budget cuts, hard-to-obtain supplies and employees, and numerous other challenges facing the sector adding to the further pressures on its workers.
The stigma surrounding mental health in construction
In all the research Mates in Mind has conducted, one topic seems to be recurring when discussing what stops men from seeking support for their mental health: stigma.
When undertaking our research for SMEs and sole traders in the industry, almost half of our respondents reported that they found ‘talking about my mental health extremely difficult’ and almost 70% agreed that ‘there is a stigma about mental health which stops people from talking about it’.
One respondent said: “I’ve always thought that, even though this job is hard, you had to show that you can cope with the pressure and never admit that you’re struggling a bit. You don’t want people to think you’re a bit ‘flaky’ or that you can’t be relied on. So, you keep quiet and soldier on, don’t you?”
Another said: “I sometimes see leaflets or adverts about mental health, but I always think that they’re for other people and not me. It’s taken me a while to accept that I sometimes struggle with my anxiety, but I don’t think of myself as ill enough to need help from a doctor or whatever. I was brought up not to make a fuss and to just get on with things, which is probably not the right thing to do nowadays, is it?”
1 in 4 people will experience a mental health condition each year
One in four of us in the UK population will have a mental health condition each year, according to Mind, and yet a wide portion of the construction industry are not reaching out for support with their health. While the sector has made great progress on health and safety on site, the mental health aspect can often go overlooked by employers, which can be hugely short-sighted considering mental health problems cost the overall UK economy £117.9bn annually, according to the LSE. To put this into perspective, this is roughly 5% of the UK’s GDP.
So how do you go about fixing an issue like stigma? Something that isn’t tangible or physical or even measurable unlike many of the aspects of construction.
You start at the source. Cultural change comes from within and Mates in Mind tells organisations that it’s not only their responsibility to look after the mental health of their workers but it’s for their business interests too.
We know that driving meaningful, long-lasting change across the sector comes through understanding and working with the industry and not simply an attempt to promote a one-size-fits-all “solution” to a problem. So, we work and communicate with employers to help create a positive mental health environment. Sometimes, it only takes talking about the issue bluntly and honestly onsite for workers to realise that their mental health is struggling and they may need support.
We all have mental health and by having these important conversations, we can help ourselves and others by showing someone there’s no shame or stigma in talking about how you’re feeling. It also helps to create supportive communities in construction where workers can talk openly about mental health and feel empowered to seek help when they need it.
The sector has made some great strides in some areas but it’s clear that more needs to be done to address this issue. When workers are able to access support when needed without any fear of stigma or discrimination, then construction can begin to tackle this huge issue at its core and save lives, with every suicide being a preventable death.
Starting the conversation about mental health
Mates in Mind asks people to “start the conversation” to begin a frank and honest discussion with someone if they think their mental health can be struggling. We hope to create a ripple effect so that the whole industry has a renewed focus on the mental health of the people who are in many ways the backbone of UK industry.
It’s hard to know where to start when talking to someone about their mental health or even if someone does begin to open up, it might not always be easy to know what to say, which is why we’ve listed our tips below. Whether it’s onsite or elsewhere, we all have the opportunity to help and support a friend or colleague if we think they could be struggling.
When checking on someone, always ask twice
“How are you?” can often lead to a standard response of “I’m fine” or “I’m okay”. The simple act of asking again, with interest, shows a genuine willingness to talk and listen to the person. If you’re worried about someone, the next time they say they’re fine, try asking “How are you really?” or “Are you sure you’re ok?”. This may encourage them to open up to you about how they are feeling.
Keep the conversation informal
You don’t have to set aside hours to have a talk with someone, 10 minutes may be enough, but just make sure there are no distractions. Perhaps turning off your phone and minimising other distractions will help you focus on the person and what they might need. Talking when doing something else, such as going for a walk during a break or while having a coffee, can also take some of the initial pressure off – it doesn’t need to be a formal sit-down conversation.
Be supportive
Make it clear that you’re there to listen and support them, without judgement. Talk about mental health in the same way you would physical health. This normalises mental and emotional difficulties, making it easier for people to talk about them.
Use open questions
The best types of questions are open-ended because the person can answer however they feel most comfortable. Such as “What kind of thoughts are you having?” or “How can I help?”
Take time to listen
Take time to listen to what they have to say – let them do most of the talking. If they don’t want to talk, don’t push them. Respect their boundaries and try again another time.
You don’t need to have the solution.
After they finish talking, don’t jump to conclusions or tell them what they should do. Resist the urge to offer quick fixes, which can often lead to people feeling dismissed. Sometimes people aren’t seeking advice but instead, just want someone to listen to their concerns.
Follow up on the conversation later on
Show that you care by following up later on, even if they don’t want to continue the conversation at that exact moment.
Connect them to information and support
Encourage them to seek professional help if they feel like they can’t cope or if the problem is impacting their daily life.
Help them find mental health services in their area, such as counsellors or support groups.
Offer to go with them to their first appointment or help connect them with someone who can support them through the process.
James Garbett
Marketing and comms executive
Mates in Mind
Tel: +44 (0)20 3510 5018
