The construction industry has historically faced a mental health challenge. Workers have traditionally experienced high rates of anxiety and depression, with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) once reporting the highest rates of suicide across all characteristics when compared to all industries in the United States. While great strides are being been made to turn things around, there is an emerging issue requiring added intervention before the state of mental health in the construction industry is challenged further – behavior relating to engagement with internet-enabled activities (or digital dependencies). Fortunately, emerging alongside of this phenomenon of digital dependence, is an industry-wide movement to tackle the trend. Through better understanding of this new challenge, how it relates to current issues they struggle with, and custom treatment strategies that can be employed, the industry will find the scaffolding required to protect the wellbeing of its cherished workforce. Below is an overview of existing challenges with insight into what is being done, and what more can be done to move toward greater mental health and wellness.
How Mental Health in the Construction Industry is Challenged by Digital Dependencies and What Can be Done to Overcome
Tech Addictions to Watch for Amongst Construction Workers
Digital dependencies are more commonly referred to by the public as technology addictions. While not unique to the industry, there are indicators suggesting construction workers may be more vulnerable to problematic behavior when compared to the general public. This is particularly true of the modern construction workforce. A new, tech-savvy generation has entered the skilled trades. They are referred to as the “Tech Savvy Toolbelt Generation”, and they are not just comfortable using technology for work, they are using it for entertainment at work, the latter of which is not appropriate even if addictive behaviors are not evident. In either case, technology addictions to watch for include those detailed below.
Online gambling addiction: Research shows that construction workers face higher rates of problem gambling due to factors like high-stress, physically demanding work, long hours, isolation, and, for some, high disposable income. Further, peer pressure is a prevalent characteristic in the “spread” of online sports betting. Peer pressure is indeed a significant, often hidden, factor influencing behavior among construction workers.
Unhealthy online gaming: While research directly comparing unhealthy video gaming rates specifically across all industries is limited, studies indicate that construction workers have a higher risk for various process addictions compared to the general population. Further backing the call for greater mindfulness regarding online gaming behavior, is that research confirms a significant link between the construction industry and video gaming, driven by both the preferences of a younger workforce and the adoption of new training technologies.
Online porn addiction: While research directly comparing unhealthy use of pornography specifically across all industries is limited, studies indicate that construction workers have a higher risk for various process addictions. A case for greater mindfulness in this category is confirmed by data suggesting that over 40% of women in construction report being shown pornographic material by a colleague, manager, or third party.
Unhealthy online trading: While there is no direct data or evidence confirming that construction workers have higher rates of online trading compared to other professions, there are several key trends regarding construction workers and technology that validate a call for further inspection. Those involved in high-demand projects (i.e. data center construction) are experiencing significant wage increases, with some earning six-figure salaries. This increase in income provides more capital for online trading, be it on stocks, crypto, or the new trading/gambling hybrid of prediction markets.
Unhealthy use of social media: Research confirms that 78% of construction workers use their smartphone for personal matters while at work, against regulations, with social media usage being a primary violation.
Comorbid Mental Health Concerns
As alluded to in the introduction of this feature on mental health in the construction industry, the workforce exhibits higher than average rates of various issues and disorders. These are all comorbid (cooccurring) with the technology addictions detailed above. There is a reciprocal relationship which adds a layer of complexity to each struggle. Mental health issues and addiction have a strong, bidirectional, and reciprocal relationship, where each exacerbates the other. Mental illness can trigger a process addiction (online gambling addiction, for example) as a coping mechanism, while unhealthy engagement in the activity (online gambling) can cause or worsen mental health conditions. Moreover, both often share underlying risk factors like genetics, trauma, and brain chemistry alterations.
Mental health issues among construction workers that are also comorbid with the above detailed digital dependencies are detailed below.
Anxiety and depression: Research finds that about 64% of U.S. construction workers experienced anxiety or depression in the past year.
ADHD: Studies confirm that that construction workers have higher rates of neurodiversity than the general population, with ADHD being the most common condition. Approximately 25% of construction workers consider themselves neurodiverse, and among this group, 54% have ADHD. The physical, fast-paced, and varied nature of construction work often appeals to those with ADHD, as it can help manage symptoms.
OCD: While specific, high-prevalence studies on OCD within construction are limited, research indicates that workplace stressors and the need for precision can lead to compulsive behaviors.
PTSD: Construction workers experience higher rates of PTSD compared to the general population, often driven by exposure to fatal accidents and high-risk work environments.
Substance use disorder: Data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows U.S. construction workers have some of the highest rates of substance use disorder (SUD) and fatal overdoses across all industries, with rates roughly double that of the national average.
Suicidality and suicidal ideation: U.S. construction workers face one of the highest suicide rates among all national professions. Rates are over four to five times higher than the general population. Suicide now causes more deaths in construction than all other workplace injuries combined.
By recognizing this bidirectional relationship, better informed intervention and treatment strategies can be employed to help construction workers overcome challenges to their wellbeing.
Perceived Mental Health Stigma
Despite much of it being driven by labor-related high-stress factors like demanding work and physical pain, a proportion of construction workers have not sought or received the help they need to manage digital dependencies and cooccurring mental health issues. Much of this relates to the perception stigma and the “tough guy” culture that once prevailed in the industry. This is backed by surveys conducted within the workforce, with 45% of workers feeling ashamed to discuss these issues, and 37% having experienced discrimination after seeking help. A fundamental change needs to happen. Improved mental health among the labor force not only enhances the greater good, it boosts productivity and can significantly reduce the risk of costly construction site accidents.
One currently shining light, is that the majority of the workforce is willing to support one another. 91% of construction workers surveyed indicate they would be willing to support a fellow laborer who was experiencing mental health compromise. In this case, the same culture of peer influence that promotes behavior regarding web-enabled activities such as online gambling (et cetera) can be applied to influence fellow workers to get help through virtual counseling (more on this in the concluding section).
The Need to Empower Loved Ones
At a January, 2026, St. Louis Building Trades Wellness Coalition conference (Kindbridge Behavioral Health was a sponsor) around workforce mental health and digital dependencies, Kindbridge Founder & CEO, Daniel Umfleet reported back on one very interesting trend. As it turns out, spouses and family members of construction industry workers are increasingly reaching out to inquire about mental health support for their loved ones as the industry faces high rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide. They witness firsthand the long hours, physical strain, and perceived stigma that persists, knowing that their spouse, partner, parent, or sibling won’t be the one to initiate much needed counseling. Instead, they are the ones contacting helplines in desperate search for answers and advice on what to do. It’s important for those in this position to be empowered with as much information as possible. The following will help them (you?) approach a loved one with concerns relating to digital dependencies.
Confirm Signs of Digital Dependency
It helps to confirm suspicions about whether or not unhealthy behavior exists, to the best of one’s ability. While it can vary by web-enabled activity (online gambling, gaming, trading, etc.) there are consistent patterns to look for:
- They constantly talk about their preferred digital activity (i.e. online gambling, gaming, etc.).
- They get irritable, restless, or anxious when they are not able to get online and participate in the activity.
- They feel unsettled when there is no access to the internet, if one of their preferred platforms is down, or it is slower than usual.
- They use their phone to access the digital platform when not safe or appropriate, such as when they are operating a vehicle, heavy machinery, and/or at work in general.
- They forget and/or miss out on education or career opportunities because of the time and energy spent engaging with their preferred digital activity.
- They forget and/or miss out on experiences with loved ones because of the time and energy spent engaging with their preferred digital activity.
- They have become emotionally distant from friends and family.
- They are in significant debt yet continue to participate in their preferred digital activity that contributes to financial strain (i.e. gambling).
- They have resorted to theft or fraud to support their preferred digital activity (i.e. gambling).
- They lie about the time and energy spent engaging with their preferred digital activity.
- They attempt to control or cut down on usage without success.
- They go on their preferred digital platforms as a means to cope with and escape negative feelings.
Create a Safe Environment to Initiate Conversation
Spouses, partners, and family members should choose a physical space that is comforting for the compromised loved one, a place that they have a positive association with. While traditionally done in a home environment, a private outdoor space that is meaningful to the familial/social circle can be beneficial.
Loving, Non-Judgemental Discussion
If the individual feels as if they are being ambushed, attacked, and blamed they may get defensive and the conversation can fall apart as quickly as it started. Spouses, partners, and family members should make it clear that they are not judging, but approaching the discussion in a loving and caring manner. From there, the harmful effects that digital dependencies have had on the individual and the lives of their loved ones can be brought to the table.
Present Options for Getting Support
The ultimate goal is to get a struggling loved one into counseling. Have effective options ready for them, options that accommodate their comfort level. This leads to the final section.
Virtual Counseling for Construction Workers
Interestingly, technology offers one of the most effective ways to treat digital dependencies and cooccurring mental health issues among this vulnerable workforce.
Kindbridge’s virtual counseling platform offers the confidentiality, scheduling flexibility, and customizability that workers in the construction industry require. Kindbridge counselors are more uniquely qualified to support this population segment in everything discussed here today. Not only do we treat those who struggle with anxiety and depression, our counselors have expertise in intervention for problematic behaviors regarding involvement in all digital activities. This includes counseling to address issues with online gambling, gaming, trading, prediction markets, pornography, social media, and more.
Options include one-one-one counseling, couples counseling, family counseling, group therapy, or a hybrid approach. Counseling is also covered by insurance providers associated with the construction industry. Click or call to ask questions and/or initiate support right away.
