Men's Mental Health Month 2025

* Warning: Mentions of mental health & suicide.

In the UK, construction workers are nearly 4 times more likely to die by suicide than those in any other industry, according to London Build Expo. With around 99% of on-site workers being men, this highlights a critical mental health crisis affecting male tradespeople.

Despite growing global awareness around mental health, many men still hesitate to seak help, often out of fear of being percieved weak or incapable. On top of this, a significant number of tradespeople are unsure how to access mental health support when needed. This gap in awareness and access leads to under-reported, undiagnosed, and untreated mental health issues across the industry.

At CMT Group, our commitment goes beyond supplying top-quality contruction and safety equipment, we're here to support the wellbeing of your entire team. That means making sure you're equipped not just physically, but with the right information and resources to build a healthier, more supportive workplace - on and off site.

Join us, as we explore the root causes, common barriers and available support options surrounding mental health in the construction industry.

Triggers & Barriers

There are many factors that contribute to poor mental health. Recognising the key causes within the construction industry, and understanding why individuals may face barriers in seeking help, is essential to breaking the stigma and building effective prevention strategies.

Financial Pressure
A major contributor to mental health struggles in the construction industry. Irregular constracts, unpredictable income, and seasonal work disruptions can create uncertainty and stress, making it difficult for workers to plan ahead or feel secure about their livelihood.
Social Issues
Long hours, working away from home, and a lack of social support can contribute to feelings of intense loneliness among construction wrokers. This isolation can exacerbate the pressures of the job, reinforcing the harmful mindset that emotional struggles should be dealt in solitude.
Workplace Culture
The longstanding stigma within the construction industry can discourage workers from speaking oepning about mental health or seeking support they need. Pressure to appear 'strong' can lead to many suffering in silence.
Physical Health Challenges
Due to the demanding nature of construction work, many workers can suffer with physical injuries and health conditions such as chronic pain, disability and mobility limtations - effecting quality of life and contributing to mental health issues.

How Employers Can Make a Difference

While challenges around mental health are complex, and need to be handled with extreme care, employers play a crucial role in creating a safe and supportive environment for their team. Here's easy ways leaders can actively support their team's mental wellbeing:

Train Mental Health First Aiders
Equip your site with trained mental health first aiders who can recognise signs of distress and offer immediate support to guide workers towards professional help.
Promote Work-Life Balance
Where possible, rotate shifts, avoid excessive overtime, and offer flexibility to reduce stress. Encouraging a healthy balance provides employees with routine wellbeing.
Provide Access to Resources & Support*
Offering clear and accessible information through posters, QR codes, workshops or team meetings, fostering a culture for openness.
_{*See Lighthouse Construction Charity Below}
Lead by Example
Modelling healthy behaviours by taking breaks, speaking up and engaging in one-on-one check-ins.

Lighthouse - The Construction Charity

The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity offers free, confidential and 24/7 support tailored to construction workers and their families. Whether you're struggling emotionally, phsyically or financially, help is always available via their dedicated helpline, live chat, text service, mobile app, and online wellbeing course.

In 2024 alone, thanks to the generosity of the construction community, Lighthouse supported over 5,600 families across the UK, proving just how vital this resource is.