*Disclaimer*: This article discusses sensitive topics related to mental health struggles. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek professional help or contact a mental health organisation. Resources are available at the end of this article.

In the high-stakes world of construction, where deadlines loom large and pressures run deep, the mental well-being of workers often stands as a silent cornerstone of the industry. Amidst the clatter of machinery and the precision of project management, the issue of mental health in construction emerges as a critical yet often overlooked concern. From the demanding schedules to the physically and mentally taxing nature of the work, construction professionals face a myriad of challenges that can impact their well-being.

To gain deeper insights into this intersection, we interviewed Rahima Khatun, an experienced electrical engineer and CEO of Leading Women Australia. Rahima brings a wealth of knowledge from her diverse background in Energy, Defence, and Logistics, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of mental health within the construction sector. Through her lens, we explore the unique stressors and obstacles that individuals encounter on construction sites and in project management roles, aiming to shed light on the importance and effective strategies of prioritising mental well-being in an industry where resilience and adaptability are paramount. 

 

About Rahima Khatun

Rahima is a compulsive problem solver with 12 years of professional experience across the Energy, Defence, and Logistics industries. She combines hands-on technical knowledge with a strong passion for creating inclusive, resilient workplaces where people feel safe and supported. Her journey has taught her the critical link between mental well-being and productivity, especially in high-pressure industries like construction. 

Currently, Rahima is working in the NDIS sector as a Registered Support Coordinator, alongside her work in facilities and project management. As the CEO of Leading Women Australia, where they provide engineering consultant services for hiring women, and as a Mental Health in Construction Ambassador, Rahima is committed to raising awareness, breaking stigma, and driving meaningful change—especially in supporting mental well-being and empowering women in construction.

 

Can you share your journey into construction and advocating for mental health? 

“My journey into the broader aspects of infrastructure and project management, which often intersects with construction, began with my Master of Engineering Management from the University of Melbourne, where I developed a strong foundation in infrastructure development, risk analysis, project scoping, and systems design. I’ve worked across diverse sectors—from defense with Tectonica Australia, where I led electronic testing and cybersecurity compliance in military vehicles, to energy analysis at EnergyAustralia, and even humanitarian microgrid projects with Engineers Without Borders. In each role, I was part of high-stress environments where performance and precision were critical—but mental health was rarely acknowledged.” 

“Through Leading Women Australia, I further amplify this mission—advocating for mental health awareness, leadership development, and inclusive hiring across construction and allied sectors. What truly deepened my advocacy was my ongoing role as a Registered Support Coordinator under the NDIS at K1 Care. Here, I’ve supported participants with complex psychosocial and cognitive needs, helping them navigate services, identify goals, assess risk, and connect with community support.” 

“Through my work in construction-related fields and direct community support, I’ve seen the intersection between systemic pressure and personal struggle. Too many professionals are managing emotional distress in silence, fearing judgment or job loss. This is why I stepped forward as a Mental Health in Construction Ambassador—to use my voice, experience, and multidisciplinary background to challenge stigma, promote awareness, and co-design mentally healthy environments that allow people to thrive both personally and professionally.” 

“For me, advocating for mental health isn’t an initiative—it’s a responsibility. I believe that we cannot build resilient infrastructure without building resilient people first.”

 

From your experience, what are the challenges professionals in the construction industry face that can impact their well-being? 

“While my direct experience is more broadly in project and facilities management within energy, defense, and logistics rather than exclusively construction, I can infer challenges based on the demanding nature of these fields. Professionals often face significant pressure to meet strict deadlines and budgets, manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders, isolation in male-dominated environments, job insecurity due to contract-based roles and ensure workplace health and safety. For women and culturally diverse individuals, these issues are amplified by the pressure to prove themselves repeatedly in spaces that lack inclusive support.”

“Having worked in technical, leadership, and coordination roles—from cyber-secure defense testing to youth advisory—I've seen how stress without support can become toxic. When performance is constantly prioritized over people, it leads to burnout, disengagement, and long-term mental health decline.”

 

What personal strategies or daily practices do you recommend for workers in the construction industry to improve their mental well-being?

“Supporting mental health in construction begins with small, intentional habits that prioritize the individual’s mind as much as their physical safety. Based on my personal experience and broader psychological research, here are a few effective daily practices and strategies I recommend: 

1. Start with Self-Awareness & Emotional Check-Ins 

Set aside 5–10 minutes each morning or evening to check in with yourself. Ask: 

• How am I feeling right now? 

• What’s weighing on me today? 

This helps identify stressors early and prevent escalation. 

# Psychology Insight: Dr. Daniel Goleman, in his work on Emotional Intelligence, emphasizes that self-awareness is the foundation of emotional regulation and resilience—critical for high-pressure industries like construction.

 

2. Practice Micro-Mindfulness on Site 

You don’t need to sit cross-legged to practice mindfulness. Just pausing for a few seconds, focusing on your breath while walking to a task or lifting materials, can help ground you. 

✔ Example: 3 deep breaths before starting a new task. 

✔ Focus on the physical sensations—your boots on the ground, the sound of the drill. 

# Research Note: A 2020 study by The Black Dog Institute found that even brief mindfulness practice improves focus and lowers stress in high-risk professions. 

 

3. Connect—Don’t Isolate 

Talk to your mates, ask how they’re doing, or simply have a chat during breaks. Connection helps reduce emotional load. 

“Connection is the opposite of addiction.” – Dr. Gabor Maté 

In construction environments, where vulnerability is often seen as weakness, peer conversations can create a safety net that’s more effective than policies alone. 

 

4. Move with Purpose 

Construction is physically demanding—but intentional movement helps not just the body, but also the mind. 

Try light stretching in the morning or deep breathing while on the scaffold. This regulates your nervous system, especially during high-adrenaline or high-pressure situations. 

# Scientific Backing: Exercise increases endorphin levels and reduces cortisol, the stress hormone, according to the American Psychological Association. 

 

5. Set Work-Life Boundaries 

✔ Avoid checking work emails after hours. 

✔ Protect your off-days—give yourself permission to rest. 

# Psychology Insight: Work-life integration is especially important in construction, where roles often stretch beyond hours. Psychological recovery is critical to avoiding burnout, as noted in the Job Demands-Resources Model by Demerouti et al. 

 

6. Seek Help Early—Not When It’s Too Late 

Most importantly, recognize that asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s an investment in your strength. 

“It’s no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” – J. Krishnamurti 

Whether through MATES in Construction, Beyond Blue, or a trusted GP—early conversations save careers, and lives. 

 

Summary of Strategies: 

• Daily emotional check-ins 

• 3-minute mindfulness pauses 

• Regular peer conversations 

• Stretch or walk intentionally 

• Protect personal time and boundaries 

• Reach out for support early 

 

This approach not only aligns with psychological safety principles but supports the overall culture shift we’re striving for in the construction industry—where mental health is a shared responsibility.”

 

What role does leadership play in supporting mental health? 

“Leadership plays a pivotal role in supporting mental health by actively shaping a mentally healthy workplace culture. Leaders in the construction industry, for example, can contribute significantly by: 

• Prioritizing Mental Health: Integrating mental health support into company policies and values, rather than it being an afterthought. 

• Leading by Example: Openly discussing mental well-being and demonstrating healthy work-life boundaries. 

• Providing Training and Education: Equipping employees with knowledge about mental health and stress management. 

• Fostering Open Communication and Support: Creating channels for safe dialogue and ensuring access to support resources. 

• Promoting Work-Life Balance: Encouraging reasonable working hours and discouraging a culture of overwork. 

• Ensuring Adequate Resources: Providing access to mental health professionals and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). 

• Recognizing and Addressing Stressors: Being attuned to signs of stress or burnout and intervening early with a solutions-focused approach.”

 

Are there any specific resources, organisations, or programmes you would recommend for individuals or companies looking to improve mental health support in the construction sector?

“Based on my experience in project management, community support, and workplace health and safety, I can recommend several types of resources and programs: 

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Companies should invest in robust EAPs that offer confidential counseling and support services for a range of personal and work-related issues. 

• Mental Health First Aid Training: Programs that train individuals to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and provide initial help are invaluable. 

• Industry-Specific Well-being Initiatives: Researching and supporting organizations or programs specifically tailored to the construction industry, which understand its unique pressures. My participation in the "Women in Trades Program" highlights the importance of programs addressing specific industry segments. 

• Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Programs that Include Mental Health: Integrating mental well-being into existing WHS frameworks is crucial. My Certificate III in Workplace Health and Safety provides a foundational understanding of this integration. 

• Peer Support Networks: Creating internal peer support groups allows employees to share experiences and offer mutual support, fostering positive working relationships. 

• Leadership Training focused on Empathy and Support: Programs that specifically equip leaders with the skills to identify and address mental health concerns in their teams are essential. My "Leadership and Governance Program" is an example of such relevant training. 

• Community Resources: For individuals needing more intensive support, connecting them with general community mental health services is vital. My role as a Support Coordinator with K1 Care involved "linking with community resources and providing guidance and information accordingly", demonstrating the value of connecting individuals with appropriate external support.”

 

In conclusion, the construction industry stands at a pivotal juncture where the well-being of its workforce is gaining the attention it deserves. Through our exploration of mental health and inclusivity in construction, guided by the invaluable insights of Rahima, we have uncovered crucial strategies for fostering a culture of support and resilience within this dynamic sector. From prioritizing open communication channels to implementing mental health awareness programs and promoting inclusivity, it is evident that positive change is not only possible but necessary. As we forge ahead, let us carry forward these lessons, working collectively to redefine construction culture with a renewed focus on well-being and inclusivity.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thank you to Rahima for generously sharing her expertise and experiences, enriching our understanding of the challenges and opportunities in promoting mental health and inclusivity within the construction industry. Her insights have been instrumental in shaping this dialogue and inspiring positive change. We hope that they help and inspire others along the journey of improving mental health within the AEC industry.

 

Support is Here — Get Help:

• Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14

• VIC Suicide Help Line – 1300 651 251

• Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636

• MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78

• Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467

• Kids Helpline (for under 25s) – 1800 55 1800

 

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Join our Mental Health in Construction Ambassador Programme, like Rahima, and become a catalyst for change! You'll have the chance to network with over 10,000 attendees and connect with fellow ambassadors to share insights on best practices, innovative approaches, and effective strategies for promoting mental well-being in the industry. Together, we can create a supportive community that prioritizes mental health and fosters resilience among construction professionals. You can make a meaningful impact  – become an ambassador today!

 

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