This time of year can bring up many emotions for people—what may be a joyful season for some can be lonely or overwhelming for others. For many, it’s a stressful time, even for those who are looking forward to it. In the busyness of the season, it’s important to find time to take care of your mental health and to check in with others.
If you find you need extra support this holiday season, the helplines are open, even on the holidays, by calling or texting 988 to connect with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or texting TALK to 741741 to connect with the Crisis Text Line.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) supports ISOSLD events around the world, in which survivors of suicide loss come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through their shared experience. Register for your local Survivor Day event here.
SELF-CARE STRATEGIES FOR THE CONSTRUCTION WORKFORCE
Self-care isn’t about being soft—it’s about being intentional. Construction work demands a lot; but giving 100% every day starts with having 100% to give. When we normalize self-care on the jobsite, everyone benefits.
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Make Time for Micro-Breaks: A quick breather, even just five minutes, can help reset your mindset. These moments can reduce stress and restore focus. Take a few moments to breathe deeply or just notice the sights and sounds around you – both are ways to ground yourself. They also signal to others that it’s okay to pause and recharge.
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Fuel and Rest Your Body: Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and exercise—taking care of your basic needs is essential. Skipping meals, relying on caffeine, overconsumption of alcohol, and getting poor sleep add up fast. These habits can weaken your ability to get through tough times and increase risk of burnout.
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Set Boundaries Off the Clock: Family dynamics can be complex, too. The holidays often introduce a sense of obligation to engage with certain family or friends but know that your only true obligation is to take care of yourself. It’s ok to limit your exposure to people when it’s in the best interest of your mental health. Whatever your family situation may be, stay connected to the people who support you and make time to process your own feelings.
This time of year can bring up many emotions for people—what may be a joyful season for some can be lonely or overwhelming for others.
Download the Self-Care Strategies Toolbox Talk to share with your team. Other Toolbox Talks that may be particularly useful as we end the year include:
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Balancing Work and Family
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Recognizing the Warning Signs
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Start the Conversation: How to Ask “Are You OK?”
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Stress Management on the Jobsite
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Recognizing the Warning Signs
ADDITIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Enroll in the Talk Saves Lives: Construction online course, a free, self-paced learning experience designed for the construction workforce in partnership with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).
Schedule a Talk Saves Lives: Construction live presentation for your workplace by contacting construction@afsp.org. Talk Saves Lives: Construction is an industry-specific adaptation of AFSP’s flagship suicide prevention education program Talk Saves Lives—which in 2025 earned recognition from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) on its Best Practices Registry (BPR).
Share Your Story with the Construction Community
Stories about mental health and suicide can help save lives and destigmatize talking about suicide—sharing them can let people know that they are not alone; that help is always available, and that recovery is possible. As part of the Hard Hat Courage initiative, AFSP is seeking stories from members of the construction community to support our mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Email construction@afsp.org if you are interested in writing a blog post or participating in video storytelling.
Reprinted with permission from Ryan Price, Senior Director of Special Projects for AFSP
AFSP will present at the NEW Ground Breakers Stage (open to all attendees) and in a Breakout Session (registration required) at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026. Visit the Wellness Space to step out of the chaos of the show and get free resources on mental wellness while connecting with others on this important topic.
Photo credit: SHUTTERSTOCK/DRAZEN ZIGIC
