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This article contains references to suicide.
I have been working in the construction industry for over 22 years.
My father and stepfather were both construction workers, so I’ve grown up with this industry and culture my whole life.
In 2017, my life came to a crossroads after battling severe depression and anxiety.
I had two choices: seek help or end my life.
The increasing pressure
The truth is, the construction industry faces many challenges, and builders are on the front lines.
Their costs have all increased dramatically during and after COVID-19.
Prices for insurance, permits, materials, labor and interest have all risen dramatically.
But the customers’ budgets are not.
Construction projects are becoming increasingly complex and deadlines are becoming tighter.
In addition, we have to deal with municipalities, building supervisors, architects, interior designers, engineers and the client, even before the construction process begins.
Then we have to supervise all the trades and suppliers and work within their lead-in times and schedules. When we bring the weather into the equation, it creates a very dynamic, stressful work environment.
If you are a builder who is doing multiple jobs at the same time on fixed price contracts, it is difficult to absorb these cost increases. I think this is causing a lot of builders to go out of business.
Coming to a crossroads
When I was struggling in 2017, my wife made an appointment with her therapist for me.
Around this time I made the decision to get sober. I knew I had to stop drinking to turn my life around before it was too late.
I found it really interesting to be sober in construction — there were comments like ‘I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t drink’ and so on. Drinking is a big part of our industry — you feel like you’re missing out on connection when you decide to skip the pub after a long week.
After going to therapy, I found myself having conversations about mental health with my coworkers, which was something I never did before.
Jamie says more needs to be done to help professionals cope with the pressures of a sector in crisis. Credit: Photos of Sunny Coast
How COVID-19 has impacted our industry
Despite seeking help years ago, I found myself burned out during COVID. It was a very tough time for the industry. I had to make the decision to either take some time off or leave the industry altogether.
At work or on-site, I would never show my burnout, or that I was feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or anxious. I believed that this was a sign of strength — not showing vulnerability — because this was the culture I was raised in.
The toxic masculinity trait of not talking to anyone about how you feel or how you are dealing with things is the norm.
All of these factors, and using alcohol to self-medicate and cope with your issues, is very common in the industry, and it creates a perfect storm of avoiding the difficult but necessary conversations we need to be having with each other.
I know there are builders who are suffering alone now. It doesn’t surprise me that in this country a construction worker commits suicide every two days.
The sector urgently needs to do more in the area of mental health.
If we have legal problems or questions within the sector, we can go to associations. But if we are dealing with mental health problems that are specific to our sector, we feel like we have nowhere to go.
Finding my peace
After seeking help and starting therapy, I decided to start training for Ironman events, which led to me competing in the Ultraman Australia competition last year.
I have found many positive role models in this industry, which has given me a community outside of work, which I think many professionals can benefit from.
I found that exercise is the best form of medication and meditation for me, along with sobriety. I have been sober for seven years now, after struggling with drug and alcohol problems at a young age.
The motivation behind all of this was that I wanted to be a positive role model for the younger boys and professionals around me.
That was something I never experienced growing up in this industry.
But if my journey has taught me one thing, it’s that you don’t have to drink or be the stereotypical ‘Tradie’.
I strive to create a good, positive working atmosphere on my sites and surround myself with like-minded people.
It has also helped significantly that I have recently reduced my workload, trying to take less stress and risks and create a better work-life balance.
I see shifts in culture and the removal of stigma from my father’s generation, but we still have a long way to go. I hope that by telling my story, I will inspire others and open up conversations about mental health in our industry.
Readers seeking crisis support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for young people under 25).
More information and support regarding mental health is available at and on 1300 22 4636. supports people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
And for more stories go to hosted by Kumi Taguchi. From sex and relationships to health, wealth and heartache, Insightful offers deep dives into the lives and first-hand stories of former guests of the acclaimed TV show Insight.
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