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More U.S. construction workers say they’re experiencing anxiety or depression in 2025 than last year, according to a recent study by Clayco.

Sixty-four percent of workers report dealing with anxiety or depression over the last 12 months, the data showed, up from 54% in 2024. At the same time, 45% of construction workers say they would feel ashamed for talking about their mental health, addiction or suicidal thoughts with their coworkers, rising 6% from August of 2024.

"For an industry that has made huge strides in improving and promoting the physical safety of our workers, it is time that we focus, collectively, on addressing the mental health and psychological safety issues faced by the entire construction sector," said Clayco CEO Anthony Johnson.

"As leaders, we need to use this moment to take responsibility for creating the best possible work and support environments,” he added. “That means not just treating cases when they arise, but making sure every worker feels valued, supported, and able to thrive. If we commit to that, we can begin to reduce the number of people in our industry who are carrying this weight alone."

What do construction executives think?

  • More than one in five constructions executives admit that someone who disclosed they are interested in seeking mental health services or support would be less likely to be assigned important tasks, while 30% said that those individuals would be more closely monitored at work.
  • While 80% of construction executives say that workers have access to mental health support services on the jobsite, just 61% of construction workers report feeling they have access to those resources.

Construction workers experiencing anxiety or depression by gender:

  • Female: 73%
  • Male: 60%

Construction workers experiencing anxiety or depression by generation:

  • Gen Z: 69%
  • Millennial: 66%
  • Gen X: 59%
  • Baby Boomers: 66%

Meanwhile, more than a quarter of construction workers say they have experienced substance use disorders or challenges with other forms of addictive behavior within the last 12 months, according to the study, with 34% of industry executives admitting they have had a substance use disorder or experienced challenges with other forms of addictive behavior over the same time.

"The unfortunate reality is that the long hours, physically demanding work and a male-dominated and stoic culture that discourages many from discussing mental health make construction workers, and executives, more susceptible to mental health issues when compared with many other professions," said Darcy Gruttadaro, Chief Innovation Officer at NAMI. "We are excited to develop innovative ways to fight stigma, increase access to treatment options, and educate workers, managers, and executives about how to seek help for themselves and promote psychological safety for their colleagues and employees.”

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