Look out for your crew: Supporting the construction industry

At the construction site, teamwork is a must. Crew members watch each other’s backs around heavy equipment, heights, and hazards. But what about when a crew member is struggling off the job site?

The construction industry is facing a mental health crisis. Suicide rates for male construction workers are nearly twice as high as other working men. Construction workers make up 17% of overdose deaths, even though they’re just 8% of the U.S. workforce.

Those numbers aren’t just statistics. They represent co-workers, friends, and family. It’s time to pay attention.

The work is tough. Long hours. Physical stress. Pressure to perform. And sometimes, pain gets hidden behind a “tough it out” mindset. But pretending everything’s fine doesn’t fix the problem.

So, what can we do? With this guide, we’ll provide you with some ideas on how to support your buddy who hasn’t been himself lately, while also offering practical ways for individuals to maintain their mental health and build their resilience at the work site.

Know what you’re dealing with

On the job site, you’re trained to spot safety hazards before they become serious problems. Mental health is no different.

It’s not always easy to see when someone’s struggling. Learning the signs can help you step in before things get worse.

Whether it’s a coworker or you’re noticing changes in yourself, here are some things to keep on your radar:

• Getting easily irritated, angry, or withdrawn
• Trouble sleeping or always feeling tired
• Difficulty focusing on tasks
• Feeling constantly on edge, anxious, or like something bad is about to happen
• Recurring bad dreams, flashbacks, or unwanted thoughts
• Physical tension, such as a clenched jaw, a fast heartbeat, or sweating under stress
• Drinking or using substances
• More arguments or problems at home
• Changes in appetite (either eating way more or not much at all)
• Frequent headaches, stomach issues, or other aches with no clear cause

These signs can point to stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or a substance use disorder, all of which are more common in the industry than many realize.

The more we know, the safer and stronger our worksites (and lives) become.

Listen with respect and empathy

When a buddy’s going through something, it really takes time to listen to what they’re saying and how they’re truly feeling.

If you notice that something seems off, don’t just brush it aside. Ask how they’re really doing. Try something simple like:

• “You doing alright lately?”
• “Been noticing you seem stressed. What’s going on?”
• “How’s your head these days?”
• “You have something on your mind you want to get off your chest?”

You don’t have to have all the answers, give advice, or rush to fix things for them. Sometimes, just being there, listening, and acknowledging what they’re saying is all they need to feel supported.

You can say:

• “Man, that sounds like a lot.”
• “I get why that would mess with your head.”
• “I can’t imagine what that’s like, but I’m here for you.”
• “You don’t need to figure it all out today.”
• “I see you trying. That takes guts.”

Lend a hand where it counts

We all know what it means to pull our own weight on the job. Off the site, it’s no different.

If a coworker or buddy is feeling overwhelmed, simple things like grabbing them lunch, covering a task, or giving them a ride can make a real impact. Small gestures go a long way.

Setting a good example matters too. That means talking openly when something’s bothering you, getting solid sleep, eating decent meals, and skipping the drink after work when stress hits.

When the crew sees you handling stress in healthy ways, it encourages them to do the same.

Be patient. This stuff takes time

Fixing a building takes time, and so does working through tough, personal stuff. Everyone’s on their own journey, and healing doesn’t happen overnight. Stay patient, check in, and celebrate the small wins. Something as simple as them showing up for the day can be a big deal.

Create a space where your buddy knows they can talk without being judged. That trust can be comforting, a true lifeline when things feel heavy. Keep reminding them that they aren’t alone.

Bottom line: Look out for your crew

You’d never let someone fall off a scaffold without trying to catch them. Don’t let someone fall mentally or emotionally, either. Pay attention. Speak up. Be there.

Point them to someone who gives them the professional support they need.

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for a buddy is to remind them they don’t have to do it alone. If someone’s really struggling, encourage them to talk to a professional. Just like you’d see a doctor for an injured shoulder, it makes sense to get help when your mind’s not in a good place.

If the weight is getting heavy, you don’t have to carry it alone. Rosecrance Therapies offers the Resilience program, which provides individual and group therapy specifically designed for people in high-stress jobs, with professionals who understand what you’re going through.