Breaking the Silence: Mental Health Support for Our Construction Family
In the construction industry, strength is often measured by physical endurance, long hours, and the ability to push through pain. But true strength also lies in recognizing when to seek help, in supporting one another, and in breaking the silence around mental health.
The Hidden Crisis in Construction
The construction industry faces a mental health crisis that is both profound and often overlooked. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the suicide rate for male construction workers is 56 per 100,000—significantly higher than the national average of 32 per 100,000 for all industries . This means construction workers are more than four times more likely to die by suicide than the general population .
A 2020 survey revealed that 83% of construction workers had struggled with mental health issues . Factors contributing to this crisis include:
Stigma and Shame: 78% of construction workers cited shame and stigma as primary reasons for not seeking mental health support .
Work-Related Stress: Seasonal work, demanding schedules, and workplace injuries contribute to heightened stress levels .
Substance Abuse: The physically demanding nature of construction work can lead to chronic pain, which, in turn, may result in substance use as a coping mechanism.
It’s Time to Break the Stigma
The culture of “toughing it out” has long been ingrained in the construction industry. However, acknowledging mental health struggles is not a sign of weakness—it’s a testament to one’s strength and resilience. Seeking help is a courageous step toward healing and growth.
Support Available for You and Your Family
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by our members, we offer several resources to support mental health and well-being:
Lower Hudson Valley Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Available to all members in good standing and their families, the Lower Hudson Valley EAP provides confidential support for:
🧠 Stress, anxiety, and depression
🧠 Substance use issues
🧠 Family and relationship challenges
🧠 Financial and legal concerns
IUPAT Helping Hand Program
The IUPAT Helping Hand This program is designed to provide immediate and ongoing support to members and their families.initiative offers:
🤝 24/7 crisis support
🤝 Mental health toolkits
🤝 Suicide prevention resources
🤝 Assistance with addiction recovery
Exercise Therapy and Pain Management
Physical activity is a powerful tool for mental health. Movement can alleviate stress, improve mood, and promote overall well-being.
🏃➡️ Free Exercise Therapy: Members have access to personalized exercise therapy programs at no cost.
🏃➡️ Hinge Health Program: Through our partnership with Hinge Health, members can access the Enso® device, an FDA-cleared wearable that provides natural pain relief for joints and muscles. This program is available at zero cost to members.
Online Stress Management Course
We offer a free online course designed to help members recognize and manage stress. It’s confidential, flexible, and built with your schedule in mind.
📩 Interested? Reach out to us at training@iupatdc11.com or call us at (860) 613-0700 to sign up.
A Call to Action
We are committed to creating a culture where mental health is prioritized, and seeking help is normalized. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. Utilize the resources available, talk to a colleague, or speak with a mental health professional.
Remember, you are not alone. Together, we can build a supportive community that values the well-being of every member.
Need Immediate Support?
Lower Hudson Valley EAP: Visit Website
IUPAT Helping Hand: Access Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text HOME to 741741
Your health and well-being are our top priorities. Let’s work together to break the silence and build a stronger, healthier community.
Simple, Powerful Ways to Care for Your Mental Health
You don’t need a therapist, an app, or a day off to start supporting your mental health—though those things can help too. Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference. Here are a few straightforward and creative strategies you can start using today:
Simple Strategies:
🔨 1. Take Booster Breaks
A few minutes to step away from the noise, breathe, stretch, or just sit quietly can reset your whole day. Think of these like “mental water breaks”—you need them more than you realize.
🌬️ 2. Try a Quick Breathing Technique
Breathing isn’t just automatic—it can be a tool. One of the easiest methods is the 4-7-8 breathing technique:
Breathe in for 4 seconds
Hold for 7 seconds
Exhale for 8 seconds
Do this 3–4 times in a row. It’s a fast way to calm your nervous system.
🥤 3. Meet Your Basic Needs
Being tired, hungry, or dehydrated can mess with your mood and your ability to cope. Make sure you:
Drink water throughout the day. Electrolytes can be a powerful way to give you energy and healthy nutrients.
Eat real meals (not just coffee and vending machines)
Get enough sleep when you can
Cut back on alcohol when you’re already feeling low
🌳 4. Get Outside Whenever Possible
Sunlight and fresh air aren’t just nice—they literally help your brain function better. A few minutes outside on break, a walk after work, or sitting under a tree during lunch can lower stress levels and boost your energy.
🧍♂️ 5. Move Your Body (Even a Little)
You don’t need a workout—just movement. Stretch, walk, shake out your arms, or try the free exercise therapy available to members through Hinge Health.
➡️ Learn about free movement and pain relief tools
🧠 6. Talk to Someone You Trust/Create a Buddy System
You don’t have to go through hard times alone. Talk to a coworker, family member, or call the EAP. A five-minute conversation can change your whole mindset. You can even create a buddy system with your co-workers, and days you are feeling low or need support, text the group for some extra encouragement and love. There is nothing like the power of community.
🧘 7. Try Simple Guided Meditation or Stress Relief Tools
Even just 5 minutes of mindfulness can make a big difference. Here’s one to try during your next break:
👉 UCLA 5-Minute Guided Body Scan
💻 8. Take Our Online Stress Management Course
We offer a free, confidential online stress management course for members. It’s flexible, practical, and designed for people who don’t usually talk about stress.
📩 Want access? Just reach out at training@iupatdc11.com and we’ll get you started.
Want help choosing what works best for you? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Call the EAP, talk to someone from the union, or just start with one small thing today. You deserve to feel good—on the job and off it.
Let’s keep the conversation going—on job sites, in union halls, and in our homes. Because breaking the silence around mental health isn’t just important—it’s lifesaving.
You are not alone. You are not weak for needing help. And you are not any less of a tradesperson for taking care of your mind and heart.
We’re here for you—and we’ll keep showing up.
#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #BreakTheSilence #ConstructionStrong #UnionSupport #YouAreNotAlone #IUPATCares #MentalHealthInTrades #StrongerTogether #DC11Wellness #BuildBetterLives
