Construction projects come with a certain level of physical and emotional stress that is often overlooked.
Lack of attention to mental health in construction can lead to serious problems,
including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression among workers.
But that doesn’t have to be the case.
In this article, we will discuss the signs of mental health problems building,
the importance of building mental health, and different strategies for reducing stress.
What are the signs of mental health problems in construction?
It can be difficult to identify mental health issues, especially in a fast-paced and often stressful environment such as construction.
Symptoms don’t always manifest in obvious ways,
so it’s important to be aware of the main signs of mental health difficulties to support the mental health of yourself and others.
A common symptom of declining mental health is decreased productivity.
If you or someone you know is suddenly having trouble concentrating,
staying focused, and staying motivated, this could be cause for concern.
This can lead to a decreased ability to complete tasks quickly and accurately or difficulty getting along with co-workers and superiors.
Poor mental health can also manifest itself in physical signs.
If a person is having difficulty with their mental health, they may slack off and appear to have less energy than usual.
This can manifest as a decrease in activity level, sleeping more or less than usual, or a need to be more alert and organized.
Mental health issues can also lead to changes in emotional expression.
If someone struggles, they may become more irritable or overwhelmed with difficult emotions such as anger, sadness, or confusion.
They may feel more anxious or panicky than usual, or experience increased mood swings.
Although changes in behavior are minor, they can be a warning sign of mental health problems.
If a person suddenly stops participating in activities or hobbies that they once enjoyed or begins
to distance themselves from social interactions; It could indicate difficulty.
It is essential to ensure the mental health of yourself and those around you in a demanding field such as construction.
Mental health difficulties can appear quickly and unexpectedly,
so it is important that you recognize the signs of mental health problems in building to better support yourself and your colleagues.
The importance of mental health in construction
Mental health is an important issue in any industry but is especially important in the construction industry.
Construction workers face countless workplace hazards and long working hours, and often have to work in isolated or remote areas.
Add to this the construction industry that traditionally operates on a “tough out” mentality,
and there is a need for greater awareness of mental health in construction.
In the United States, the construction industry is more likely to commit suicide than any occupation.
In 2019, 20% of all suicides were in the construction industry.
Stress, long hours, hard work, and the stigma surrounding mental health make it difficult for those in the industry to seek help.
Industry culture often encourages workers to “tough it out” rather than seek help.
It is important to address mental health issues in construction not only to save lives but also to make the industry a safer and more productive place.
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