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Mental health in the construction industry

Collage of construction workers

 

You're not alone. Support for mental health in construction.

Real help. Practical tools. A safer, kinder industry – starting with you.

We seek to provide support, understanding and resources for mental health in the construction industry. We recognize that construction workers face unique challenges – long hours, high-pressure environments, physical demands, job insecurity and Minnesota’s harsh winters – that can take a serious toll on mental well-being. As a state, we need to:

  • Break the stigma around mental health in construction.

  • Offer practical tools and resources for those struggling with stress, anxiety, depression or burnout.

  • Connect individuals to help – whether through crisis hotlines, counseling services or peer support.

  • Create a sense of community where workers know they are not alone and that asking for help is a sign of strength.

Our mission is simple:  To save lives, improve well-being and build a culture of care in the construction industry.

About the mental health crisis

What we're facing

Construction is demanding – mentally, physically and emotionally. In Minnesota, harsh winters add extra stress:  seasonal layoffs, isolation and extreme cold exposure increase fatigue and injury risk. Short daylight hours can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and financial insecurity during the winter months adds pressure.

A distressed construction worker
Fast facts

Construction has one of the highest suicide rates among all occupations.

Stress, anxiety and depression are common but often hidden due to stigma.

Winters can lead to layoffs, isolation and mental health struggles.

Two construction workers
Why it matters

Mental health impacts safety, productivity and relationships. When workers are supported:

Crews make fewer safety errors.

Retention improves and morale rises.

Families and communities thrive.

Workers in wet weather
Industry challenges

Stigma and silence:  “Be tough” culture discourages help-seeking.

Seasonal layoffs:  Financial stress and isolation during winter.

Physical strain:  Cold exposure, fatigue and injuries.

Limited access:  Time, transportation and insurance barriers.

 

Signs and symptoms  |  Recognizing stress and burnout

Watch for:

When to seek help

Emergency

  • Call 911 if you have been taking suicidal actions, have tried to hurt yourself, or made a suicide attempt.

Crisis help

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

  • If you’re thinking about suicide or need urgent mental health support, call or text 988 or chat at https://988lifeline.org – Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential).

  • Veterans Crisis Line:  Call 988, then press 1, or text 838255

  • Español: Lifeline está disponible para todos, es gratuito y confidencial. Llame a 988 y marca numero 2 o texto envía “AYUDA” al 988.

Mobile crisis teams

  • Mobile crisis services are teams of mental health professionals and practitioners who provide psychiatric services to individuals within their own homes and at other sites outside the traditional clinical setting. Mobile crisis services provide for a rapid response and will work to assess the individual, resolve crisis situations, and link people to needed services.

Helplines non-crisis

Professional support

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP):  Contact your employer or union.

  • Find a therapist.

Peer support and support groups

For employers and leaders

Tips for mental wellness

Daily coping

  • Breathing exercises:  Try 4-7-8 breathing.

  • Micro-breaks:  Stretch and hydrate.

  • Check-in:  Ask yourself, “How am I feeling?”

Healthy habits

  • Sleep:  Aim for seven to nine hours.

  • Nutrition:  Pack balanced meals.

  • Movement:  Gentle stretches during breaks.

Cold-weather tips

  • Layer clothing to prevent fatigue.

  • Stay hydrated even in cold weather.

  • Plan indoor activities during layoffs to stay connected.

Disclaimer:  This site is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are in crisis, call 911 or 988.