Construction Worker Shares Story of Overcoming Mental Health Crisis in High-Stress Industry
Justin Azbill, a safety director for a construction firm, recently shared his story of almost taking his own life in a bid to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by construction workers. Azbill’s experience of struggling with overwhelming pressure and stress at work during the pandemic highlights the need for greater support and understanding in the industry.
Azbill, who has been traveling to construction sites across the country to share his story, emphasized the importance of breaking the stigma around mental health in the construction industry. He mentioned that many workers feel hesitant to seek help due to fears of being labeled as weak, but he believes that open conversations about mental health are crucial for promoting well-being.
The construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates among professions, with male construction workers facing a 75% higher risk compared to the general population. Despite the increasing demand for construction workers and the industry’s rapid growth, the mental health of workers is often overlooked.
Efforts to address mental health issues in the industry include creating safe spaces on worksites for workers to seek support, as well as offering training and resources for employers to address mental health concerns. Companies like Bechtel have invested in industry-specific mental health programs to reach construction workers and raise awareness about mental health issues.
As the construction industry grapples with a shortage of workers and the pressures of demanding projects, prioritizing mental health and providing support for workers facing challenges is crucial. The stories of individuals like Azbill and others serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental health in high-stress work environments.
Vocabulary List
- Overwhelming pressure /?o?v?r?w?lm?? ?pr???r/ (noun): Extreme stress and strain.
- Pandemic /pæn?d?m?k/ (noun): A global outbreak of a disease.
- Emphasized /??mf??sa?zd/ (verb): Stressed or highlighted.
- Stigma /?st??m?/ (noun): A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.
- Grapples /??ræp?lz/ (verb): Struggles or deals with.
Vocabulary List:
- Crisis /ˈkraɪ.sɪs/ (noun): A time of intense difficulty or danger.
- Awareness /əˈwɛər.nəs/ (noun): Knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.
- Support /səˈpɔrt/ (noun/verb): To bear all or part of the weight of; to hold up.
- Suicide /ˈsuː.ɪ.saɪd/ (noun): The intentional act of ending one’s own life.
- Stigma /ˈstɪɡ.mə/ (noun): A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance or quality.
- Emphasized /ˈɛm.fəˌsaɪzd/ (verb): To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.
How much do you know?
