Mental Health Awareness Transforming Canada’s Construction Industry
The Silent Crisis in Construction
The construction industry in Canada is a cornerstone of the economy, employing over 1.4 million people and building the infrastructure that shapes our communities (Canadian Contractor). However, beneath the hard hats and steel-toed boots lies a silent crisis: mental health. The demanding nature of construction work—long hours, physical exhaustion, tight deadlines, and a culture that often values toughness over vulnerability—takes a significant toll on workers’ mental well-being. Research from Statistics Canada indicates that 33% of construction workers report poor mental health, while the Construction Industry Rehabilitation Plan (CIRP) found that 83% have experienced moderate to severe mental health issues (Statistics Canada, CIRP). Alarmingly, over 3,600 working-age individuals die by suicide annually in Canada, nearly four times the 1,000 workplace incident deaths, highlighting the urgency of addressing mental health in this sector (OGCA).
Mental Health Week 2025, held from May 5 to May 11, provided a critical platform for the construction industry to confront these challenges. Organized by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), the week’s theme, “Unmasking Mental Health,” encouraged workers to shed the stigma surrounding mental health and embrace open conversations (CMHA). This blog explores the significance of Mental Health Week in the construction industry, the initiatives undertaken, key messages shared, and the resources available to foster a healthier workplace.
Unmasking Mental Health
Since 1951, CMHA’s Mental Health Week has been a cornerstone of mental health advocacy in Canada, rallying communities, workplaces, and schools to promote mental well-being (CMHA Ottawa). In 2025, the campaign ran from May 5 to May 11, coinciding with Construction Safety Week (May 5–9), creating a unique opportunity to address both physical and mental safety in the construction industry (Construction Safety Week). The theme “Unmasking Mental Health” focused on the concept of “masking”—hiding emotions or mental health struggles to avoid judgment. In construction, where workers often feel pressured to appear “tough,” this theme was particularly relevant. CMHA emphasized that “by embracing honesty and vulnerability, we open the door to deeper connections and the mental health benefits that come with it” (CMHA).
The State of Mental Health in Construction
The construction industry faces unique mental health challenges due to its high-pressure environment and cultural norms. Below are key statistics that underscore the crisis:
| Statistic | Source | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 33% of workers report poor mental health | Statistics Canada | One in three construction workers experiences poor mental health, higher than many other industries. |
| 83% have moderate to severe mental health issues | CIRP | CIRP’s research highlights the prevalence of mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety. |
| 90% have experienced early childhood trauma | CIRP | High rates of trauma contribute to mental health vulnerabilities. |
| 70% have undiagnosed PTSD | CIRP | Undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder is a significant issue among workers. |
| Over 3,600 working-age suicides annually | OGCA | Suicide rates in construction are nearly four times higher than workplace incident deaths (1,000 annually). |
| 64% want more employer support | Statistics Canada | Workers express a strong desire for enhanced mental health initiatives from employers. |
These numbers reveal a critical need for action. The high suicide rate, in particular, underscores the industry’s second-highest suicide rate among major industries, driven by factors like demanding workloads, isolation, and a male-dominated culture where seeking help is often seen as a weakness (Workplace Mental Health).
Initiatives During Mental Health Week 2025
The construction industry took significant steps during Mental Health Week 2025 to address these challenges. Key initiatives included:
OGCA’s “Unmask Mental Health” Campaign: The Ontario General Contractors Association (OGCA) partnered with CMHA and industry stakeholders to launch a campaign focused on suicide prevention and mental health awareness. The initiative called for the industry to “remove the barriers of silence and shame” and address systemic issues driving mental health struggles (OGCA). The campaign leveraged CMHA’s toolkit, including factsheets and posters, to educate workers and employers.
Social Media Advocacy: Industry organizations used platforms like X to amplify mental health messages. For example, BuildForce Canada highlighted the unique stressors in construction, such as safety risks and tight timelines, and advocated for tailored mental health initiatives (BuildForceCan). Similarly, the Journal of Commerce and Daily Commercial News emphasized that “masking is commonplace in construction, but it doesn’t have to be” (JOC_Canada, DCN_Canada).
Events and Webinars: The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada hosted a webinar on May 16, 2025, titled “Building Awareness: Addressing Mental Health in the Construction Industry,” to provide strategies for fostering mental well-being (MCAC). Additionally, a live event hosted by Get Construction Talking featured industry leaders discussing solutions to the mental health crisis (GetConstTalking).
Ongoing Programs: Organizations like CIRP continued to roll out initiatives addressing mental health and substance use, including training programs and support for the opioid crisis. These efforts aim to create psychologically safe workplaces where workers feel supported (CIRP).
Key Messages
The messages during Mental Health Week 2025 centered on breaking the stigma around mental health and encouraging vulnerability. Key themes included:
Embracing Vulnerability: CMHA’s campaign urged workers to “unmask” their struggles, fostering a culture where seeking help is normalized. As CMHA stated, “Unmasking isn’t just a personal decision it’s a social responsibility” (CMHA Waterloo Wellington).
Breaking Stigma: The OGCA emphasized that “one life lost to suicide is one too many,” calling for open conversations to reduce shame and isolation (OGCA).
Creating Safe Workplaces: Industry leaders advocated for environments where workers feel safe to share their struggles. This includes training programs, peer support, and policies that prioritize mental health (Procore).
These messages were amplified through social media, workplace campaigns, and industry events, encouraging a shift in the construction industry’s culture.
Resources for Construction Companies and Workers
To support mental health initiatives, several resources are available:
CMHA Mental Health Week Toolkit: Includes factsheets on masking, its effects, and unmasking in the workplace, as well as posters and social media graphics (CMHA Toolkit). These can be used to educate workers and promote awareness on construction sites.
CIRP Programs: The Construction Industry Rehabilitation Plan offers training and support for mental health and substance use challenges, addressing issues like the opioid crisis (CIRP).
Procore’s Training: Offers courses like “Health and Wellness of Your Team,” educating leaders on identifying and addressing mental health issues (Procore).
UA Pipe PALS: Provides peer-support and suicide-prevention training tailored to the construction industry (United Association).
These resources empower employers and workers to create a supportive environment and address mental health proactively.
Visuals to Enhance Awareness
To make mental health campaigns impactful, visuals play a key role. Construction companies can use CMHA’s Mental Health Week posters and social media graphics, available in the toolkit, to display on job sites and online platforms (CMHA Toolkit). Photos from industry events, such as webinars or safety stand-downs during Construction Safety Week, can also illustrate the industry’s commitment to mental health. For example, images of workers participating in mental health workshops or displaying campaign materials can reinforce the message of openness and support.
Conclusion: Building a Healthier Future
Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 marked a significant step forward for Canada’s construction industry in addressing its mental health crisis. Through campaigns like “Unmask Mental Health,” events, and ongoing programs, the industry is beginning to dismantle the stigma that has long silenced workers. However, the high prevalence of mental health issues and suicides indicates that sustained efforts are needed. By leveraging resources, fostering open dialogue, and prioritizing psychological safety, the construction industry can build a future where every worker feels supported and valued. Let’s continue this momentum beyond May to ensure no worker feels alone.
Key Citations Canadian Mental Health Association. (2025). Mental Health Week 2025: Unmasking mental health. https://cmha.ca/mental-health-week/Canadian Mental Health Association. (2025). Mental Health Week 2025 toolkit. https://cmha.ca/mental-health-week/toolkits/Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington. (2025). Mental Health Week 2025: Unmasking mental health. https://cmhaww.ca/mental-health-week-2025-unmasking-mental-health/Construction Industry Rehabilitation Plan. (n.d.). 83% of construction workers have experienced a mental health issue. BC Building Trades. https://bcbuildingtrades.org/83-of-construction-workers-have-experienced-a-mental-health-issue/Construction Safety Week. (2025). Plan for Safety Week 2025. https://www.constructionsafetyweek.com/plan-for-safety-week/safety-week-2025/Get Construction Talking. (2025, May 9). Mental health in construction [Post]. X. https://x.com/GetConstTalking/status/1920743199062081738Journal of Commerce. (2025, May 8). Mental health in construction [Post]. X. https://x.com/JOC_Canada/status/1919429363633680753LeClair, D. (2021, April 20). Industry perspectives op-ed: Mental health in the construction industry, the silent crisis. Daily Commercial News. https://canada.constructconnect.com/dcn/news/ohs/2021/04/industry-perspectives-op-ed-mental-health-in-the-construction-industry-the-silent-crisisMechanical Contractors Association of Canada. (2025). May is Mental Health Awareness Month in Canada. https://mcac.ca/event/may-is-mental-health-awareness-month-in-canada/Ontario General Contractors Association. (2025, May). Unmasking mental health in construction. https://ogca.ca/2025/05/unmasking-mental-health-in-construction/Procore Technologies. (n.d.). Mental health in construction: Resources and strategies. https://www.procore.com/library/mental-health-constructionTurchiaro, F. (2024, May 7). Mental health: Construction’s silent epidemic. Canadian Contractor. https://www.canadiancontractor.ca/canadian-contractor/mental-health-constructions-silent-epidemic/1003285969/Workplace Mental Health. (n.d.). Mental health and well-being in the construction industry. https://workplacementalhealth.org/employer-resources/guides-and-toolkits/mental-health-and-well-being-in-the-construction-i
