The construction suicide toll in 2022<\/a> was 25 more than the previous five-year average of 482.<\/p>\n The latest number equates to 34 per 100,000 in employment \u2013 up from 26 per 100,000 seven years ago.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n When undertaking our research for SMEs and sole traders in the industry, almost half of our respondents reported that they found \u2018talking about my mental health extremely difficult\u2019 and almost 70% agreed that \u2018there is a stigma about mental health which stops people from talking about it\u2019.<\/p>\n One respondent said: \u201cI\u2019ve 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\u2019re struggling a bit. You don\u2019t want people to think you\u2019re a bit \u2018flaky\u2019 or that you can\u2019t be relied on. So, you keep quiet and soldier on, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n Another said: \u201cI sometimes see leaflets or adverts about mental health, but I always think that they\u2019re for other people and not me. It\u2019s taken me a while to accept that I sometimes struggle with my anxiety, but I don\u2019t 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?\u201d<\/p>\n 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 \u00a3117.9bn annually, according to the LSE. To put this into perspective, this is roughly 5% of the UK\u2019s GDP.<\/p>\n So how do you go about fixing an issue like stigma? Something that isn\u2019t tangible or physical or even measurable unlike many of the aspects of construction.<\/p>\n You start at the source. Cultural change comes from within and Mates in Mind tells organisations that it\u2019s not only their responsibility to look after the mental health of their workers but it\u2019s for their business interests too.<\/p>\n We know that driving meaningful, long-lasting change across the sector comes through understanding and working with the industry<\/a> and not simply an attempt to promote a one-size-fits-all \u201csolution\u201d 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.<\/p>\n We all have mental health and by having these important conversations, we can help ourselves and others by showing someone there\u2019s no shame or stigma in talking about how you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n The sector has made some great strides in some areas but it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Mates in Mind asks people to \u201cstart the conversation\u201d 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<\/a> of the people who are in many ways the backbone of UK industry.<\/p>\n It\u2019s 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\u2019ve listed our tips below. Whether it\u2019s onsite or elsewhere, we all have the opportunity to help and support a friend or colleague if we think they could be struggling.<\/p>\n \u201cHow are you?\u201d can often lead to a standard response of \u201cI\u2019m fine\u201d or \u201cI\u2019m okay\u201d. The simple act of asking again, with interest, shows a genuine willingness to talk and listen to the person. If you\u2019re worried about someone, the next time they say they\u2019re fine, try asking \u201cHow are you really?\u201d or \u201cAre you sure you\u2019re ok?\u201d. This may encourage them to open up to you about how they are feeling.<\/p>\n You don\u2019t 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 \u2013 it doesn\u2019t need to be a formal sit-down conversation.<\/p>\n Make it clear that you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n The best types of questions are open-ended because the person can answer however they feel most comfortable. Such as \u201cWhat kind of thoughts are you having?\u201d or \u201cHow can I help?\u201d<\/p>\n Take time to listen to what they have to say \u2013 let them do most of the talking. If they don\u2019t want to talk, don\u2019t push them. Respect their boundaries and try again another time.<\/p>\n You don\u2019t need to have the solution.<\/p>\n After they finish talking, don\u2019t 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\u2019t seeking advice but instead, just want someone to listen to their concerns.<\/p>\n Show that you care by following up later on, even if they don\u2019t want to continue the conversation at that exact moment.<\/p>\n Encourage them to seek professional help if they feel like they can\u2019t cope or if the problem is impacting their daily life.<\/p>\n Help them find mental health services in their area, such as counsellors or support groups.<\/p>\n Offer to go with them to their first appointment or help connect them with someone who can support them through the process.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n James Garbett<\/strong><\/p>\n Marketing and comms executive<\/p>\n Mates in Mind<\/p>\n Tel: +44 (0)20 3510 5018<\/p>\n www.matesinmind.org<\/a><\/p>\nRates of suicide in the construction industry are on an upward trajectory<\/h3>\n
The stigma surrounding mental health in construction<\/h3>\n
1 in 4 people will experience a mental health condition each year<\/h3>\n
Starting the conversation about mental health<\/h3>\n
When checking on someone, always ask twice<\/h3>\n
Keep the conversation informal<\/h3>\n
Be supportive<\/h3>\n
Use open questions<\/h3>\n
Take time to listen<\/h3>\n
Follow up on the conversation later on<\/h3>\n
Connect them to information and support<\/h3>\n