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The pressures of daily life, whether they be financial, social, or even work related, can take their toll on many. Mental health was once heavily stigmatised as an excuse or an apparent sign of weakness if mentioned, but, as we fast forward to today, much more is understood about the complex nature of mental health and is now often discussed more freely and openly, with people strongly encouraged to talk about their problems rather than keep them to themselves. With this being said, mental health is an extremely delicate subject, and not everyone finds it a simple topic to discuss, in fact a large amount of individuals with mental health issues find it difficult to open up. In our latest blog we look at the importance of understanding and being aware of mental health within the construction industry.
Every year, one in four adults in the UK are affected by mental illness, which sadly can affect people from all walks of life. These problems have frequently gone under the radar when it comes to the construction industry. With men making up around 89% of it, they are reportedly 3 times more likely to commit suicide than in any other sector. The mental and emotional wellbeing of employees is vitally important. According to a recent survey of more than 1,200 workers in the construction industry, 59% of workers failed to let their employer know that they needed time off due to mental health issues. 59% of respondents also claimed that when they were dealing with mental health issues, their managers did not offer them the proper level of support, and a startling 74% of workers claimed that there was and still is stigma associated with mental health in the construction industry.
Mental health disorders can manifest themselves in many ways, at any stage of someone’s life and it can be challenging to know where to turn for support or advice. If you are dealing with mental illness, or you have dealt with mental illness in the past, then you might have found yourself asking questions such as these; What do I do now? Where do I start? What happens next and what can I do about it?
It can be difficult to know when someone is struggling with their mental illness, especially if they are trying hard to keep up appearances. But there are some warning signs that you might notice that could signal that you or someone else may be struggling. Below are some traits that should be looked out for if they are appearing frequently:
Most of us don't like to admit when we're struggling, and this is especially true within the construction industry but, there are many things you can do if you're feeling down. It could be that the conditions in your workplace are making you feel unhappy and unmotivated, or you might be experiencing a difficult patch in your life that makes work harder than usual. Finding out what is triggering the feelings of stress or anxiety can be a great place to start and may help you in talking with someone regarding these issues. Family and friends are always good people to talk to, but there might also be other people at work who have been through similar experiences who could possibly relate to your situation. There are counsellors and therapists too who can offer support if talking doesn't quite feel right.
If it’s a colleague or employee you are concerned about, speak to them and explore what support they would like. Consider if the person is feeling lonely or isolated, stressed or overworked. Ask how you can help make things better for them and try to take steps to create a supportive working environment where staff feel valued. If there is a problem which requires specialist expertise, such as a mental health condition, refer the person to the relevant organisations for further advice. If you would like to greater understanding of mental health in the workplace and gain the confidence to offer support to staff and colleagues, there are options available to you in the form of training courses. These courses are available in classroom form with Adult Mental Health First Aid 1 day course and Adult Mental Health 2 Day Course, as well as remote and online options with the Mental Health Online Course, and Online Adult Mental Health First Aid 2 Day Course (Remote Learning). If you’re interested in booking one of these mental health courses please contact our team on 01892 543000.
No Booking Fees
UK Nationwide Coverage
Over 70,000 Courses
