June is “Men’s Mental Health Month“, a time to recognize that mental health is just as important as your physical health. While conversations about mental wellness have become more common in recent time, many still feel pressured to handle life’s challenges without any outside help. That old mindset of yesteryears will often prevent those in need from asking for help until stress, anxiety, burnout, relationships, and their overall well being.

Few industries understand pressure quite like construction and the skilled trades. Long hours, changing schedules, strenuous work, changing jobsite conditions, and the responsibility of keeping projects moving forward will create fatigue on even the most of senior individuals. While the demands of the job are often just accepted as the norm, they can take a toll over time if they aren’t balanced with opportunities to rest & properly recover.

The reality is that mental health affects every workplace. Whether you’re managing a construction project, operating a commercial facility, leading a business, or supporting customers from the office, everyone experiences stress differently. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five adult men experienced some sort of mental illness during this past year…all the while of many never seeking some sort treatment or speaking out on how they feel because of the stigma of that they should simply “tough it out.” NAMI also reports that men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than women…just another reason of why to of normalize conversations around your mental wellness.

The construction industry has spent decades building a culture centered around physical safety. Hard hats, fall protection, lockout/tagout procedures have become standard because everyone understands the value of protecting themselves and their team. Mental health deserves that same attention. A person struggling with overwhelming stress or exhaustion may not show visible signs on the outside, but the impact can be just as real as ever. Looking out for one another, checking in with one another, and creating an environment where asking for help is encouraged are all part of building a healthier and safer workplace.

This June we encourage everyone, now and in the future, to take a few minutes to check in with a coworker, friend, or family member.

Sometimes a simple conversation starting with “How’s are you doing today?” is enough to remind someone they are supported & valued.