Help Yourself and Others on Mental Health Action Day May 18

NAHB and more than 1,700 leading companies, brands, associations and other organizations are partnering on Mental Health Action Day on May 18, a project organized by MTV to turn mental health awareness into action.

NAHB strongly encourages members and HBAs to take time to think about their mental health and those around them and take action should the need arise.

More construction workers die by suicide every year than all workplace-related fatalities combined. The nature of the work — long days, work seasonality, common minor injuries — and a culture that often dismisses discussion of mental health can compound the stress felt by many in the industry.

NAHB has been working to change that culture and get members to recognize that asking for help is not a sign of weakness and that self-care is particularly important these days. Working with dedicated partners, NAHB has provided free mental health and well-being resources to anyone in the construction industry. And our work continues.

But awareness can go only so far to help those who are struggling. If you or someone you know is having trouble, actively seek help. If you are in crisis and considering suicide, please immediately dial 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the United States. For other issues, consider taking a free, confidential screening provided by NAHB partner Mindwise.

Most of all, have conversations on the jobsite. A very simple, “How are you doing lately?” can go a long way to starting someone down a path to help. We cannot change the culture in the industry unless we talk to each other.

Watch the video toolbox talk below for more information on dealing with mental health issues in construction.