Our mental health and physical health are intrinsically linked, forming two integral components of
overall well-being. Neither can exist in isolation, as each profoundly influences the other.
- How Physical Health Impacts Mental Well-Being
In construction, your body is your tool, and its health has a direct impact on your mind. When you’re dealing with physical issues like chronic back pain, injuries, or conditions like diabetes or heart problems, it can weigh heavily on your mental health. Long-term physical strain and the stress of coping with ongoing health issues can lead to depression and anxiety. On the flip side, staying physically active—something that comes naturally on many construction sites—can release endorphins, your body’s natural mood boosters, helping to combat stress and improve mental clarity. - How Mental Health Influences Your Body
Mental health isn’t just about what’s in your head—it affects the whole body. Depression, anxiety, and stress can lead to unhealthy habits like poor eating, skipping meals, excessive drinking, or even substance use. These behaviors can cause physical problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes. For construction workers, mental health challenges can also increase fatigue and reduce focus, which might lead to safety risks on the job. Protecting
your mind is just as important as wearing your PPE—it keeps you and your crew safe. - Building a Holistic Approach to Health
In construction, we know that every part of a building is connected, and it’s the same with health. You can’t just treat physical problems without addressing the mental side and vice versa. A holistic approach means recognizing that mental and physical health are part of the same foundation. For example, pairing exercise with mental health counseling or combining stress management strategies with good nutrition can strengthen both your body and your mind, helping you show up stronger on the job and at home. - Tearing Down the Stigma Around Mental Health
In construction, we don’t hesitate to fix a cracked wall or replace a faulty tool—so why do we hesitate when it comes to mental health? Unfortunately, mental health is still surrounded by stigma, making it harder for workers to ask for help. But ignoring it can be dangerous, leading to isolation, mistakes, and even suicide. Just like a strong scaffold supports a team working at heights, supporting mental health builds a stronger, safer crew. Talking openly about mental health and recognizing it as equally important as physical health is the first step to creating a culture of wellness on the site. By focusing on the connections between mental and physical health and removing the barriers to seeking help, we can build a foundation for better health in the construction industry. Together, we can create safer worksites, healthier workers, and stronger communities.
Our on-site nurses and medics are dedicated to fostering a caring culture and ensuring a safe space within our clinic for anyone grappling with mental health concerns. We acknowledge that there may be apprehension in seeking help due to the fear of potential job-related repercussions. It’s important to emphasize that all conversations with our clinic’s nurses or medics are held in strict confidence.
We are here to offer immediate support, and beyond that, we are committed to providing access to a comprehensive array of external mental health resources within the community. These resources encompass crisis intervention services as well as general counseling options. We recognize the courage it takes to reach out, and we want you to know that we are here to support you.
Resources:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – #988 or 1-800-273-8255
Maricopa Behavioral Health Crisis Line 602-222-9444 or 480-784-1500
Rally Point 24-Hour Hotline (Veterans and Military) 855-725-5948
Apps for your phone:
Suicide Safety Plan – this app provides a place to create a plan that will help support you when you are feeling sad or hopeless, or experiencing thoughts of suicide. The plan is intended to be developed with a healthcare provider but can be built on your own or with someone you trust. The app also contains information on suicide prevention and crisis and support resources.
Talkspace Therapy and Support – this app is a convenient and affordable way to work with a therapist on your phone through text, audio or video messages. It is covered by many insurance plans.