Tools Down, Lets Talk Mental Health in Construction with Steven Kirby

In this moving episode of Onward Shift, host Vishal Narbheram sits down with Steven Kirby to confront a growing crisis—mental health in the construction industry. With suicide rates alarmingly high and mental health still a taboo topic on many sites, this conversation sheds light on the emotional struggles faced by thousands of workers across the UK.Steven shares his personal story, highlighting the power of vulnerability, storytelling, and human connection in an industry often defined by silence and stoicism. Together, they explore how banter culture and outdated views of masculinity can hinder open dialogue—and what it takes to create safer, more compassionate spaces on and off-site.You’ll hear practical tips around mental wellbeing, including daily gratitude, meditation, and how to push past the fear of seeking help. Whether you're on the tools or in leadership, this episode is a reminder that behind every hard hat is a human being—and every story matters.Key Takeaways:Mental health in construction is a critical and growing concernAnxiety, depression, and suicide impact thousands—yet many suffer in silenceCompanies must take responsibility for creating safe, supportive environmentsStorytelling and vulnerability can break down stigma and build trustDaily practices like gratitude and meditation are powerful tools for wellbeingSeeking help is not weakness—and one bad experience shouldn’t be the endEpisode Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Mental Health in Construction 02:48 The Current State of Mental Health in Construction 05:35 Challenges Faced by Construction Workers 08:33 The Importance of Seeking Help 11:20 Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health 14:17 Creating Safe Spaces in Construction 17:02 The Role of Companies in Mental Health Support 19:52 Changing the Culture in Construction 22:46 The Future of Mental Health in Construction 26:35 Navigating the Construction Industry 30:21 The Journey of Growth and Opportunity 34:22 Mental Health Awareness in Construction 39:03 The Power of Communication and Support 43:47 Transforming Negative Self-Talk 45:35 Transforming Negative Thoughts 46:45 The Power of Communication 48:41 Finding the Right Help 50:19 The Importance of Daily Practices 55:27 Gratitude as a Daily Practice 01:00:04 Advice for the Younger Generation💬 Trigger Warning: This episode contains open discussions about mental health struggles, including suicidal ideation. Please listen with care.🎙️ 𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐭.🎙️ 𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬.Follow Us On:- Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/onwardshift/⁠- TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@onwardshift⁠- LinkedIn Page: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/onward-shift/⁠- Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/onwardshift/⁠Find out more about Onward Shift and the mental health support we offer here- ⁠https://onwardshift.com⁠Learn more about Steven Kirby here - https://sklifecoachuk.co.uk