By DAVE HALL

Every day, thousands of construction workers show up ready to build, problem-solve and power through the toughest conditions.

But behind that grit, many are silently struggling.

We’re shining a light on a challenge that affects our workforce in deeply personal ways.

According to the CDC, one in four construction workers report mental health concerns, and the suicide rate in our industry is nearly four times higher than the national average. These are more than just statistics. They’re lives, families and teammates impacted across job sites nationwide.

Compounding this crisis is the fact that men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than women, per the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Yet in a Cleveland Clinic survey, nearly half of men (49 percent) said they had felt more depressed than they admitted to friends or family. The reasons? Fear of judgment, stigma around asking for help and a long-standing cultural expectation to “tough it out.”

But here’s the truth: Real strength is speaking up. Real strength is checking in. Real strength is knowing you’re not alone.

At Clune, we’re not mental health professionals. But we are a company made up of people who care about one another, on and off the jobsite.

We believe:

• It’s okay to talk openly about mental health.
• A simple check-in can mean everything.
• Everyone deserves to feel safe, supported and heard.
• Using your resources isn’t weakness; it’s wisdom.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Here are a few resources worth sharing:

• National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988
• Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP): www.constructionworkingminds.org
• Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Available through many employers

Mental health isn’t just a personal issue, it’s a safety issue, a culture issue and an industry issue. By breaking the silence, we start to break the stigma.

Let’s keep looking out for our crews – not just on the job, but in life.

Dave Hall is CEO of Clune Construction.