Business development director of Ashe Construction and Pagabo Foundation trustee, Andy Morris tells his family’s story about mental health support from the construction industry.
The construction industry is built on strength. The strength of materials, of teams, of resolve. But beneath the hard hats and high-vis jackets lies something not quite so robust – our mental health.
Construction workers are statistically more likely to experience mental health challenges than those in many other sectors. Long hours, job insecurity, physical strain, and a culture that often prizes stoicism over vulnerability all contribute to a troubling reality. In the UK, suicide rates among construction workers are more than three times the national average.
Poor mental health leads to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and increased safety risks, however forward-thinking companies are beginning to recognise that investing in mental wellbeing is not a cost, it gives a competitive advantage.
My wife has had several periods over the last 15 years where her mental health has been at rock bottom, and each time, with grit and determination and the help of some wonderful people she has managed to pick herself up and carry on and is never afraid to tell her story and explain her struggles. Co-incidentally, she now also works in the construction industry and is a trained mental health first-aider.
I’ve had my own battles along the way. Being diagnosed with hearing loss was devasting and living with hearing loss is very debilitating, especially when your work depends on it. It creates massive personal insecurities. You’re not as sharp, not as witty, and shy away from social events where you think you won’t be able to hear anything.
You’re slow to respond to others because your brain is repairing sentences you didn’t fully hear. A specialist explained that this means you are having to process more information and that makes you tire more quickly.
In order to adapt and protect my mental health I made significant changes, I got hearing aids, I explained to people that I struggled to hear, I choose events and venues where the acoustics were better, I choose the seat with the back to the wall. I make sure I give myself the best possible chance of success. It’s not perfect, but there are people in much worse situations than me.
Exercise became a massive healer too. After her illness, my wife managed to secure a place in the 2018 London Marathon with our youngest son George running for Mind. She joined a local running club to help her preparation, so I joined in support too. Running has been transformational, and we’ve run a number of marathons together, and in 2021 I ran London with our eldest son James.
Dog walking, cycling and meditation are also good to keep your mind peaceful.
Unfortunately, in 2023 I was diagnosed with a brain tumour, at least it explained the hearing loss, but it threatened to throw our whole family off track. I had brain surgery in October 2023 and most of the tumour was removed.
Both our companies were fantastic and offered support at every level. My wife’s employer told her to stay at home to look after me and to work if she wanted the distraction, but to come back when she was ready. They knew she’d struggled in the past and knew how to help.
The stresses and strains of social media must be unbearable for our younger colleagues and Pagabo have been leading the way in championing sessions that address this and help with mental health resilience. We must encourage people young and old, to not be afraid and discuss their worries and concerns head on. If they think it will be bad for their career, they’re obviously with the wrong employer.
My wife is testament to someone who has been devasted by mental health struggles but has managed to turn that around and build a strong career in the construction industry, with the right help and support along the way.
So, what can we do?
- Mental health needs to be championed from the top.
- We should equip line managers with mental health first aid training.
- Ensure working conditions support, not strain, mental health.
- Collaborate with mental health charities and industry bodies for expertise and credibility.
The construction industry has always adapted to meet new challenges, and mental health is the next frontier. Just like any great structure, it starts with strong foundations.
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