DVD Helps Construction Industry Shake The Blues

An educational DVD about depression in the construction industry will be made in an effort to tackle the issue of depression.

The depression awareness organisation, Beyondblue, has joined forces with construction company Abigroup to launch a major initiative to raise awareness of depression in the construction industry.

Abigroup Managing Director David Jurd said “Construction work can be tough on workers – the hours are long and sites are often remote from home, making the link with family difficult.

“Construction is still a male dominated industry and studies show that men are at a greater risk of their depression going unrecognised and untreated than women, with less than half of those experiencing depression seeking help.

“By raising awareness of the problem of depression in the construction industry, we’re aiming to get more workers to seek help early on and avoid getting trapped in a downward spiral.”

The DVD will be launched in October 2010 with screenings throughout Australia. Information on depression in the workplace and promotional material on available services will also be circulated throughout the construction industry.

Beyondblue CEO Leonie Young said “We hope this partnership will encourage people working in the construction industry to notice the signs and symptoms of depression in themselves, their mates and loved ones and encourage them to get help sooner rather than later.”

For more information on how to address depression, visit the Beyondblue website.