Building Strength Beyond the Jobsite: Mental Health in Construction
Why Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Matter in Construction
In an industry built on strength, resilience, and grit, the silence around mental health can be deafening. The construction sector faces unique pressures—tight deadlines, physical danger, long hours, and often a culture that prizes toughness over vulnerability. These stressors mean that mental health isn’t just a “nice to have” topic—it’s a matter of safety, compassion, and survival.
Associated General Contractors of New Mexico (AGC NM) is committed to changing this narrative. Through ongoing mental health initiatives, including NM's Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Summit, AGC NM is helping to build safer, healthier workplaces where every worker feels supported, both on and off the jobsite.
A Powerful Gathering: September 11 Summit
Thank you to everyone who joined us on September 11th at the Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Summit. Your presence and participation made the event impactful and meaningful as we continue working together to build a culture of care in the construction industry.
Event Highlights
- Rich Jones shared powerful strategies for managing stress and preventing burnout, offering practical tools that attendees could take back to their teams. Click here to view his slides!
- Cal Beyer provided national-level insights on building safer, more supportive workplaces and generously shared both his presentation slides and the Slido interactive results with participants. Click here to view his slides!
- Rose Romero guided the conversation thoughtfully, ensuring every voice and perspective was heard.
- Ray Barber closed with heartfelt remarks that reminded us why this mission is so important.
- "Built to Endure" Mental Health Swag
Why It Matters
The data underscores why conversations like these can’t wait:
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The suicide rate in construction is more than double the national average.
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Though construction represents just 7–8% of the U.S. workforce, it accounts for nearly 1 in 5 suicides nationwide.
These statistics are not just numbers—they represent our coworkers, friends, and family. By reducing stigma, supporting one another, and normalizing mental health discussions, we can save lives.
Share Your Feedback
Your input helps us grow. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts on the Summit so we can continue improving future events.
Click here to fill out the survey
Moving Mental Health Initiatives Forward
AGC NM’s mental health initiatives go beyond a single event:
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Educational Resources – Toolbox talks, best-practice guides, posters, and jobsite materials to encourage daily awareness. Click here for a critical one-pager from Cal Beyer.
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Supervisor Training – An online, self-paced course to help supervisors recognize warning signs and respond effectively.
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Ongoing Engagement – Future summits, forums, and resources to keep mental health visible as part of overall jobsite safety.
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Community Support – Reducing stigma and creating psychologically safe workplaces by fostering open conversations and peer connections.
Call to Action
If you work in the construction industry in New Mexico or lead a company in this sector, here’s how to get involved:
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Attend future AGC NM summits and forums—stay engaged and bring your team.
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Provide mental health training to supervisors and frontline leaders.
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Use AGC's free resources to make mental health part of your safety culture.
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Speak up and reach out. If you or someone you know is struggling, connect with support services or dial the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
The Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Summit was a crucial step, but a much larger effort. Through AGC NM’s mental health initiatives, we are working to build a culture of care where safety includes not only hard hats and harnesses but also compassion, understanding, and mental well-being.
