PEOPLE working in the construction industry are victims of a major crisis in mental ill health, a leading expert has warned.
Author and counsellor Lynn Crilly, who also works in the sector, says far too many men are suffering in silence.
Her comments come in Men’s Mental Health Awareness Week – and follow a major report which highlighted the scale of the problem.
Research carried out by Ironmongery Direct and Electrical Direct for Mental Health Awareness Week found 73% of UK builders experience mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression, every month. It was also revealed that 45% feel symptoms every single week.
In addition to this, 92% said they did not feel comfortable discussing their mental health with others. Only 10% of respondents said that they had spoken about their mental health with friends and family.
The five most common causes of stress for tradespeople were found to be the cost of living crisis (39%); rising cost of materials (36%); finances (28%); tensions with customers (20%); doing the best job, you can for customers (17%).
Lynn, who helps run a major scaffolding business in the south east of England, said: “I have been working in the construction industry now for the last forty years, the first five in a builder’s merchants and the past 35 years running a scaffolding company with my husband.
During this time, there have been many changes. But one thing that has not changed is the stigma attached to mental ill health amongst its many workers.”
Outlining the scale of the crisis, Lynn, who penned Hope With Depression, continued: “I believe mental health remains the biggest health and safety crisis within today’s construction industry and -it shows little or no signs of abating.
“According to recent studies more than fifty percent of construction workers have struggled with their mental health. These figures alone are proof that so much more needs to be done to educate and raise awareness of these issues.”
Addressing the specific challenges those working in building face she said: “Like any job in today’s fast paced world, construction work comes with its own set of challenges, stress and pressures.
“Although these seem to be particularly more difficult and harder to manage than years before, and because of this are having a greater impact than before.
“The rising cost of materials, the cost of living crisis, the long working hours, erratic weather conditions leading to unforeseen delays, are amongst some of the everyday challenges it is no wonder construction can be a particularly stressful working environment.
“We cannot wave a magic wand to combat dealing with this aspect of health and safety, and no mental health PPE that can protect them from their demons. This is an industry mainly made up of male employees, who work in an environment where they feel they have to wear a ‘macho’ mask.
“Many therefore keep their head down and ‘get on with it’, finding and promoting effective ways to encourage the construction workers to seek help and know that ‘it is ok’ to open up and talk about how they feel is not always easy.”
Pinpointing one area where people can find help Lynn added: “There are many online and in person support groups, around the country including Andy Mans Club who are welcoming many new members every week. They run in person meetings every Monday at 7pm all over the country and are growing every week which shows the need for more support for all men and their mental health.”
For more information visit: https://andysmanclub.co.uk/
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