The construction industry can be a stressful one. Unfortunately, there are many workers who do not deal with mental health issues like stress and anxiety all too well. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the industry with the second highest rate of suicide in the United States is the construction industry at 53.3 deaths per 100,000 workers. Similarly, the American Addiction Centers maintain that construction industry workers have nearly twice the rate of substance abuse as the general population of adults; per the data, 8.6% of adults in the US have a substance abuse disorder while approximately 15% of all US construction workers have a substance abuse disorder. See better ways to deal with stress and anxiety.

Dealing With Stress and Anxiety

There are many ways to deal with stress and anxiety that can be used by anyone, including those working in the construction industry. They include:

  1. Talk About It. There are few worse things you can do than bottling up feelings concerning stress and anxiety. Talk to someone, preferably a therapist. However, a close friend, family member, or trusted coworker can be beneficial as well. Another option is to journal, writing down your worries. Research has shown that putting worries, stressors, and concerns down on paper can lessen stress and anxiety.
  2. Exercise. While most construction work presents a physical challenge, it is not quite the same as exercise. Choose an activity that you enjoy, such as running, weightlifting, or hiking, and try to do it daily. Aim for something that gets your heart pumping for at least 20 minutes a day. The stress-busting benefits of regular exercise are well-documented.
  3. Seek Out Positivity. Focus on the positive as much as possible. Listen to upbeat music and search out positive books, movies, and other content. A therapist can help with ways to deal with negative thoughts and ideations, but it’s also possible to work on changing negative thoughts on your own. One technique that is backed by research is to focus on things in your life that you are grateful for.
  4. Turn to Kindness. Research has shown that showing kindness to others can have a positive effect on our moods.
  5. Ask for Help. No man (or woman!) is an island, and you don’t need to stand alone. Whatever area of your life is giving you cause for concern, ask for help!

With over 25 years’ worth of experience in the asphalt and concrete paving industry, the Tucker Paving team knows how stressful the construction industry can be. The wellbeing of our team members is of the utmost importance, and we encourage mental health just as much as physical safety. Contact us by calling (863) 299-2262, or fill out our online contact form, to let us assist you with your next concrete or asphalt paving project.