Mental health is still one of the most misunderstood challenges in the construction industry. For years, the stereotypical culture has been to ‘just get on with it’, ‘don’t complain’, ‘man up’. For many older professionals within the industry, mental health was seen as a personal issue and not something that belonged within the workplace.

That mindset is thankfully changing, with stories like Matt’s showing just how important that shift is.

Matt’s Story

Matt, a director at Costplan, found himself navigating a divorce at the start of 2024. At the same time, he was responsible for leading a team, travelling internationally for work and maintaining a high standard expected from him every single day.

On the surface, he believed he was coping… But underneath, things were getting on top of him far more than he was outwardly letting on. Like many in the industry, Matt had never taken time off for any illness, physical or mental. He had been brought up to push through challenges no matter what and asking for help didn’t seem like an option.

This was until his Group Director (Aaron) personally came to him and encouraged him to seek support. “At first, I thought counselling was for weak people”, Matt admits. “That was just how I had always seen it”. However, having known Aaron for years and respecting his judgement, Matt took the steps to seek professional help. Sometimes, having one conversation with somebody you trust can change everything.

Opening up to his family was also unfamiliar territory for Matt, describing his father as a hard worker within the industry who rarely spoke about emotions. Yet, when Matt shared what he was going through, the response was unexpectedly (according to the perceptions Matt had) supportive. The two people he had expected to judge him instead encouraged him to seek support, which helped shift his perspective and made the idea of support feel acceptable.

Taking Action

Through Costplan’s healthcare provision, Matt was able to access professional mental health support. He was assessed and matched with a counsellor who could understand both his personal and professional pressures. Matt now describes counselling in practical terms. “If you have a problem with your car, you go to a mechanic. If your back hurts, you see an osteopath. But when something is wrong in your head, people still treat it as taboo.”

That shift in mindset helped him engage with the process. Speaking openly, reflecting and learning to cope became part of his routine. Matt still speaks with his counsellor through the ups and downs of his life now and then and is now able to joke about his situation, “you could make a really good Netflix series out of the last two years of my life.”

Supporting Employees, the Costplan Way

Matt is clear that he may not have taken that step without encouragement, which is where Costplan’s approach is important for all employees’ well-being. A supportive, welcoming and approachable mindset provides a healthy environment for all employees. Open-door policy and support resources are easy to have for any business, but to have that next-level care and attention that Costplan gives, you must make sure people are using them when they are most needed, which is important for workers.
His story shows that the new tools he gained through therapy helped him overcome challenges within both his personal and professional life. The tools he was now equipped with were positive for himself, for his team and the company.

Mental Health Matters

Mental Health Awareness Week is a reminder that industries such as construction are making massive headways, but there is still more to do. For professionals who resonate with Matt, it is important to note:

“it’s okay not to be okay”

In an industry like construction, where hardiness (at the detriment to workers in some instances) is valued, the messaging above is important. A healthy, supported team do better work, leads better teams and builds stronger businesses.

But most importantly, they do not have to face their challenges alone.