How Can Construction Workers Improve Their Mental Health

Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from 13-19 May 2024. The theme this year is ‘Moments for Movement’, focusing on the benefits of physical activity on mental health.

Staying active is, according to the NHS, a natural mood booster. It’s something that can help people boost their mental health, reduce stress and anxiety, and can also help to improve your quality of sleep. While many of our workers will already be active on-site, there are a number of ways in which you can be active in your free time that can be relaxing and effective.

Moments for Movement Tips

Despite most of our workers being active on-site all day, there are still ways in which you can stay active outside of work. Some might be physical activity, while some could be mental activity.

One example that combines physical and mental activity is yoga. While this can definitely help to boost your mental health as a physical activity, studies have shown that it works a very important part of your body – the brain. According to a study from Harvard, “yoga strengthens parts of the brain that play a key role in memory, attention, awareness, thought, and language. Think of it as weightlifting for the brain.” Both yoga and meditation can also impact how you react to stressful situations, increasing the chance of a calmer approach to these situations. Physically, it can be a lighter activity, making it a great option for movement after a strenuous day on-site.

Our Operations Manager Sarah Ainsworth, one of several Mental Health Ambassadors at PSI Global, suggested some other light exercise options following a heavy day on-site. “Most of our workers have very physically demanding jobs,” she explained. “But making the time for something like a light swim or walk after work could help you wind down and switch off from a busy day.”

Low Mental Health in Construction

It’s well known that our industry struggles with mental health issues, and sadly, face the highest rate of suicide amongst different sectors across the country. It’s easy enough to decide to head down to the pub after work instead of clearing your mind with physical exercise, but getting yourself into a routine can help, suggested our Senior Account Manager and Mental Health Ambassador Yasmin Lobb.

Getting into a routine with a workout that’s right for you is important. It was found in 2019 that 40% of workers in construction took time off of work for mental health (more than any other sector). Much of this increased following the Covid-19 pandemic though. A survey from Mates in Mind found that one third of construction workers suffer with elevated levels of anxiety daily, and sadly over two thirds believe there is a stigma around mental health that is preventing them from getting the help they desperately need.

There are places where workers in the construction industry can turn for help. Charities like Mates in Mind or Lighthouse are dedicated to helping construction workers with their mental health. There are also charities like Mind and the Mental Health Foundation that are dedicated to ensuring everyone has the resources they need to get the help they need. At PSI Global, we’ve also created a Mental Health Scheme, offering a confidential discussion to anyone working for us should you need someplace to turn. You can schedule a call at any time by emailing us at talk@psi-gsr.com.

Additionally, we’ve compiled a list of contact details for you to use if you need it. We never want anyone working for us (or working for anyone) to not know where to turn for mental health support. Please know that someone at PSI Global is always available to listen.

NHS Crisis Team: The team is available all year to offer advice, support, and an assessment if required.

0808 196 9127 

Mind: Their information line is available from 9am-6pm, Monday to Friday.

0300 123 3393

Legal Line: Legal information and general advice on mental health-related laws, available Monday to Friday from 9am-6pm.

0300 466 6463

Samaritans: Whatever you’re going through, the team is there to help any time for free.

116123

Gambling Anonymous: Multiple lines are available to call across the UK.

National: 0330 094 0322

North-East: 07771 427 429

North-West: 07974 668 999

Ulster: (028) 7135 1329

Citizens Advice: An adviser can be contacted through their national phone service.

Adviceline (England): 0800 144 8848

Adviceline (Wales): 0800 702 2020

Relay UK: If you can’t hear or speak on the phone, you can type what you want to say to the team on 18001 then 0800 144 8884.