What could you do to be mentally healthier?

The questions below can help you understand if you are doing enough for your mental (and physical) wellbeing.

  • Do I sleep well?
  • Do I spend enough time with friends and family?
  • Do I eat healthy food?
  • Do I exercise regularly?
  • Do I take suitable breaks?
  • Do I spend time outside / close to nature / doing hobbies or sport?

Work-related stress in the construction industry can come from heavy workloads, long working hours, travel, being away from family, job insecurity, money worries, tight deadlines and high risk activities.

Each ‘no’ answer suggests where you could look after yourself better to stay mentally well.

Signs that something could be wrong:

Behaviour

  • Low morale
  • Poor timekeeping
  • Absent
  • Not motivated to work
  • Poor productivity and decision making
  • Felling stressed/mood swings
  • Using alcohol or drugs to cope

Physical signs

  • Changes in appearance
  • Sudden weight gain or loss
  • Constipation / diarrhoea
  • Indigestion / heartburn / ulcers
  • Heart problems
  • High or low blood pressurehappy VGC workers chatting

Do not neglect the things that keep you well.

It can be hard with the demands of work and personal life, but try to:

  • Keep active
  • Eat well
  • Drink sensibly
  • Avoid caffeine late in the evening
  • Wind down before bed and avoid electronic devices, especially in the hour before
  • Do something you are good at
  • Take a break
  • Keep in touch with friends and family
  • Talk to friends and colleagues if you feel stressed – don’t bottle it up!
  • Ask for help. Contact your line manager, one of our site mental health champions or trained mental health first aiders. Or  contact the free confidential Construction Industry Helpline on 0345 605 1956.