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YOU NEED TO TALK ABOUT IT

Men in the construction industry die by suicide at a rate nearly four times the national average. What should business leaders do about it? Read more.

BY CAROLINE BRODERICK

By the Numbers

49.4

MEN IN CONSTRUCTION DIE BY SUICIDE PER 100,000 PEOPLE

NEARLY DOUBLE THE TOTAL SUICIDE RATE FOR MEN OVERALL

This Story is About You

This topic is not an isolated one. Mental health affects all either directly or indirectly, and in the industry, the statistics make this story about everyone.

CHRIS BOLIO HAD A STROKE.

Days after completing a triathlon, carrying granite slabs on the jobsite, and finishing up a custom home, the Houston-based contractor lost control of his left hand and began walking into walls.

Day by day, Bolio's condition improved, but not without unforeseen challenges. In a quiet room, he shared with his neurologist that physically, he was doing better. Mentally, not so much.

“Had I not accepted that I was in a severe depression, had it not been okay for me to get help, had I not taken the steps and given myself that permission to need help, I don't know that I would be sitting here today. I never thought that I would be that person, but the reality is that we're all that person given the right circumstances.” - Chris Bolio

Bolio is unique in the way he openly shares his story. Most in the construction industry are not so forthcoming. Poor mental health is the industry's leading cause of death, with widespread unwillingness to discuss the issue adding to the problem.

REMODELERS TALK MENTAL HEALTH

“I just felt so overwhelmed and depressed that I thought, 'Why do I do this?'”

Addiction's role

You cannot speak about mental health in the construction industry without also speaking about drug and alcohol abuse.

By the Numbers

EMPLOYEES AND EXECUTIVES PUT A HIGH PREMIUM ON HAVING A JOB THAT SUPPORTS THEIR WELL-BEING

Source: deloitte analytics, the c-suite's role in well-being survey, June 2022

WHAT INDUSTRY LEADERS ARE DOING

AN INDUSTRY ADVOCATING

The shifting conversation on mental health encompasses more than company leaders. Industry organizations now provide company owners and the workforce with resources and skills.

TIME FOR THE TIDES TO CHANGE

“I now see how this is a conversation long overdue, not just in myself, but also in our industry. And I think it is time for the tides to change.”

"THERE SHOULDN'T BE A STIGMA WITH WANTING TO IMPROVE YOURSELF. WHETHER YOU'RE AT THE TOP OF YOUR GAME OR AT THE BOTTOM OF A PIT IS A BIT IRRELEVANT. IMPROVING IS ALWAYS A GOOD THING."

RESOURCES

Visit proremodeler.com/mental-health for an extensive list of resources and organizations focused on mental health and mental health in construction, such as toolbox talks, emergency numbers, finding a mental health professional, and more.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Caroline Broderick is the Managing Editor for Pro Remodeler. Most recently, she served as the associate editor for PR's sister publications, Pro Builder, Custom Builder, and PRODUCTS where she covered design, building products, trends, and more in the residential construction industry. She can be reached at cbroderick@sgcmail.com.

DETAILED OCCUPATIONAL GROUP DEATHS PER 100,000
Roofers	65.2
Construction Laborers	62.0
Carpet, Floor, and Tile Installers and Finishers	55.2
Carpenters	54.7
Construction Managers	45.7