Learn Strategies for Managing Mental Health
Construction workers are particularly susceptible to mental health issues and suicide — which is a silent killer in the industry. Although the most common mental health problems are anxiety and depression, other disorders like the Substance Misuse can be considered a mental health issue as well.
When a worker is struggling to manage mental health issues, their safety and the safety of all those around them on the jobsite can be compromised.
As a part of its ongoing initiative regarding members’ mental health and well-being, NAHB recently created a new video “toolbox talk” on mental health. The video covers critical topics such as:
- Identifying the warning signs of mental distress
- Mental health risk factors
- Strategies for managing mental health
NAHB is also partnering with the North Carolina HBA (NCHBA) on a pilot program called “Blueprint for Worker Well-Being.” The goal of the program is to develop a strategic plan for mental health promotion and suicide prevention which can be replicated by other HBAs across the country.
The program involves storytelling, the first installments of which are now available on nahb.org. The video series features NCHBA members sharing their stories, as well as accompanying Q&A videos.
Watch the toolbox talk below to learn more about mental health awareness. English and Spanish versions of the video, along with a helpful handout, are available on the Mental Health Awareness webpage. For more information on opioid misuse, visit the resources on the Opioids in the Home Building Industry page.
Latest from NAHBNow
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released the NAHB Remodeling Market Index (RMI) for the third quarter, posting a reading of 62—up one point compared to the previous quarter.
For the first time since 2022, the share of new homes with two-story foyers increased, according to the Census Bureau's Survey of Construction (SOC). Despite the increase, the market share of two-story foyers has generally trended downward since 2017, with most new single-family homes being built without a two-story foyer both nationally and regionally.
Latest Economic News
In the third quarter of 2026, the NAHB Remodeling Market Index (RMI) posted a reading of 62, up one point compared to the previous quarter. The RMI has remained within a narrow band between 59 and 70 for the past four years.
Mortgage application activity declined as the 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose sharply. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Market Composite Index, a measure of total mortgage application volume, decreased 7.7% month-over-month in September on a seasonally adjusted basis. Compared to a year ago, total mortgage applications were lower by 35.4%.
Mortgage rates rose sharply in September as multiple factors applied significant upward pressure on the U.S. treasury yields. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.86% in September, up nearly 20 basis points (bps) from August.