Mental Health Awareness in Construction

Mental Health Awareness Month 2025

Action Starts with Awareness

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year’s theme, “Turn Awareness Into Action”, is especially meaningful in the construction and concrete industries. We work in fast-paced, high-pressure environments where physical safety is a top priority but mental well-being is often overlooked. It’s time to change that.

Mental Health in the Concrete Industry

Construction professionals face a unique set of stressors. Long hours, seasonal demands, labor shortages, tight project timelines, and a culture of toughness all contribute to high levels of anxiety, burnout, and depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates of any profession in the United States.

Mental health challenges affect everyone, from engineers and architects managing tight specifications, to producers juggling logistics and quality control, to drivers and field crews navigating job site safety every day. Behind every concrete pour is a human being who deserves to feel supported, seen, and safe.

Turning Awareness Into Action

Raising awareness is the first step but what happens next is what matters. This month, IRMCA encourages all industry leaders, team members, and partners to reflect on how they can help build a more mentally resilient workforce. Here are some practical steps:

1. Normalize Mental Health Conversations
   Start by making mental wellness a regular part of the conversation. Leaders at every level can help reduce stigma by openly acknowledging that mental health matters just as much as physical safety. Even a short check-in at the beginning of a meeting can create space for support.
   
   
2. Train Supervisors and Foremen
   Those in supervisory roles are often the first to notice changes in mood or behavior. Training them to recognize signs of mental distress and respond with empathy can be a game-changer. Consider incorporating mental health first aid or similar training into your leadership development programs.
   
   
3. Provide Access to Resources
   Whether through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), digital tools, or posted flyers in breakrooms; make sure employees know where to turn for help. If you don’t have internal support systems in place, start small with a resource sheet and the number for a confidential hotline.
   
   
4. Promote Work-Life Balance
   Encourage time off, flexible scheduling where possible, and respect for personal time. The “always on” mindset has long-term effects on mental health, especially in high-demand industries like ours.
   
   
5. Build Connection on the Job Site
   Loneliness and isolation are major mental health risks. Create opportunities for your teams to connect—whether that’s through a safety lunch, peer mentoring, or morning huddles that go beyond just task assignments.

Looking Ahead

The demands of the construction industry aren’t going away. But we can build a culture that supports mental well-being just as intentionally as we approach jobsite safety or mix design quality. Turning awareness into action means acknowledging that it’s okay not to be okay, and that help is available.

Let’s continue to show up for one another, to listen without judgment, and to create an environment where everyone can thrive.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. This is a free, 24/7, confidential resource.