Key Findings

• Prevalence of Mental Health Issues: A significant portion of construction workers experience mental health challenges, with over half reporting anxiety or depression in the past year.
• Substance Abuse and Misuse: The survey shows that a notable number of workers struggle with substance use disorders and other addictive behaviors. Almost half of the respondents have misused or overused substances to cope with mental health issues, indicating a need for better coping strategies and support systems.
• Stigma and Barriers to Seeking Help: Despite a willingness to support colleagues, many workers feel ashamed discussing mental health issues with peers. The stigma surrounding mental health is a significant barrier to seeking help, and 41% of those who have used mental health services reported experiencing discrimination as a result.
• Lack of Access to Services: Nearly half of the workers are unsure if they have access to mental health support services on the jobsite, highlighting a critical gap in awareness and availability of mental health resources.
• Job-Related Stressors: Physical demands, poor work-life balance, and tight deadlines are major sources of stress, contributing to mental health struggles.

By the Numbers

Mental Health & Self Medication

• More than half of construction workers (54%) say they have experienced anxiety or depression within the last 12 months.
  • 62% female, 51% male
  • Millennials reporting highest at 57%
  • Results are pretty evenly spread throughout the country
• Comparatively, about 32% of adults in the general public of the United States reported anxiety and depression symptoms in 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey.

 

• More than a quarter of construction workers (29%) say they have experienced substance use disorders or challenges with other forms of addictive behavior within the last 12 months.
• Nearly half of construction workers (47%) admit they have mis-used or over-used at least one substance to cope with their mental health within the past 12 months.
  • 48% males, 43% females
  • 50% of millennials
• Breakdown of substances mis-used:
  • Alcohol, 27%
  • Marijuana, (Delta 9) or synthesized THC (Delta 8, HHC, THC-A, etc.), 21%
  • Illegal substances, 15%
  • Prescribed medications 14%

• Construction workers most frequently say that physical demands of the work (42%), poor work-life balance (36%) and tight deadlines to complete projects (35%) are the main causes of distress on the job.
• Nearly a third of construction workers (32%) say they have missed work due to mental health concerns within the past 12 months.
  • 31% male, 34% female
• Just over a quarter of construction workers (27%) have used prescribed medication to treat their mental health within the past 12 months.
  • 26% male, 32% female
  • 30% Gen Z

Support & Perceived Judgement

• 94% of constructions workers say they would be willing to support another construction worker who was experiencing depression.
• Nearly 2 in 5 construction workers (39%) say they would feel ashamed talking about their mental health, addiction or suicidal thoughts with their coworkers.
  • 40% male, 37% female
  • Gen Z 44%

• A third of construction workers (34%) say they have used professional mental health services or support programs within the last 12 months.
  • 40% millennials
  • Among construction workers who have used professional mental health services or support programs within the last 12 months, 41% say they have experienced discrimination or unfair treatment at work due to seeking mental health services or support.
    • 44% male, 32% female
• Nearly half of construction workers (46%) report they don’t feel that have access to mental health support services on the jobsite.

---

Source: Clayco

Chicago Build is the largest construction & design show for the Midwest, taking place on Oct 29-30 at McCormick Place. The show features 30,000+ AEC and real estate professionals, 400+ high-profile speakers across 13 conference tracks and AIA CES approved workshops, 300+ exhibitors, Architects Hub, multiple business networking opportunities and the Midwest’s biggest Festival of Construction with entertainment and live music.

Register today