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Mental Health for Construction Workers

Trades workers, project managers, foremen, retired construction. Real stats, specific resources, and guidance written for the particular culture of this profession — not generic advice.

The numbers
Construction has the 2nd-highest suicide rate of any industry (53/100k vs. 17/100k general). Overdose deaths 6× the national average. ~90% male industry.
~7.5M construction workers in the US (91% male)

Why mental health looks different here

Physical pain + opioid exposure + seasonal instability + stoic culture + high-access-to-lethal-means. Combined with 'man up' norms that make mental health talk taboo.

Profession-specific resources

Built for your job. Not generic EAP. These know the culture.

Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention
Industry-specific programs + toolbox talks + toolbox cards.
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The Smart Way to Construction Safety
Free resources for site supervisors.
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Man Therapy
Humor-first site built to reach men who'd never use a traditional mental health resource.
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Most common issues in construction workers

Based on prevalence data for this profession. Each links to a specific resource on Typical Male.

Licensure / fitness-for-duty — what's real and what's myth

No licensure issues. Some unions have EAP programs. Independent contractors have no safety net — OSHA-affiliated organizations increasingly offer mental health resources.

Free tool
Not sure what's going on?

The PHQ-9 + GAD-7 screeners your doctor uses. Private. Printable for your appointment. Tracks over time.

Take the PHQ-9 →