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Mental Health Matters

05/14/2021

The National Institute of Mental Health states one in five adults are affected by a behavioral health condition, and yet, only about half seek treatment.1 When considering occupation, the construction industry consistently ranks at the top in terms of most at risk for suicide.2 The stress of our industry is nothing new, however, we have only recently started to open up about how this affects our mental health and wellbeing. Industry stressors have only been amplified by COVID-19, making it crucial to continue to address employee mental health, talk openly about coping strategies, and reduce the stigma associated with mental health.3  

While all occupations have their own trials and tribulations, construction is consistently rated as one of the most stressful industries to work in. This is attributed to a variety of factors including3:

  • Significant safety risks on jobsites
  • Deadline-driven projects
  • Increased prevalence of physical toll and chronic pain
  • Long hours and demanding schedules

While it is important to take care of ourselves and our own wellbeing, it’s also important to talk openly with others about our struggles with mental health. In doing so, we can cultivate a culture of communication and support and, ultimately, promote a safe and inclusive environment for all. 

At HBC, we implement a variety of practices to actively care for ourselves and one another in the workplace. This includes:

  • Providing employees with free resources and benefits, including a robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Establishing an active and dedicated Wellness Committee
  • Encouraging team lunches and out-of-office activities
  • Hosting company-sponsored social events and retreats
  • Connecting with one another regularly via video conferencing and/or phone calls

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, HBC is hosting several events for our employees throughout May, such as:

  • Mental Health Coping Strategies
  • Mindfulness Webinar
  • Guided Meditation
  • Succulent Planting Event

By supporting wellness and communication, we hope to encourage mental health awareness while reducing stigma. In doing so, we can move towards a more open and ultimately safer industry.  

Resources

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness, nami.org
  • National Institute of Mental Health, nimh.nih.gov
  • National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, theactionalliance.org
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cdc.gov/mentalhealth
  • Suicide Prevention Resource Center, sprc.org
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255
  • Crisis Text Line, TEXT 741741

Footnotes

  1. National Alliance on Mental Illness. “Mental Health Facts in America.” March 2021. https://www.nami.org/mhstats
  2. Peterson, Cora and Deborah M. Stone, Suzanne M. Marsh, et al. “Suicide Rates by Major Occupational Group — 17 States, 2012 and 2015.” MMWR Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report, 2018. http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6745a1external icon.
  3. Beyda, Emily. “Why Mental Health in the Construction Industry Cannot Be Ignored.” Built: The Bluebeam Blog, September 2, 2020. https://blog.bluebeam.com/why-mental-health-in-the-construction-industry-cannot-be-ignored/

Mental Health Matters