Our guide to tradespeople and mental health

Mental health and tradespeople

Did you know? Tradespeople mental health issues can affect even the most experienced plumber, electrician, or any other skilled worker.

It is thought that as many as 1 in 3 people in general have experienced (or will experience) mental health issues at some point in their lives.

And, problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression are prevalent in the trade industry. But why is this, and is there anything that can be done to prevent it?

Why do people in the industry suffer?

Let us be clear. Anyone can suffer with poor mental health, regardless of their gender, age, or occupation.

But, as a tradesperson, there a few more job related reasons why people may suffer:

• Working solo, working late, or working in high pressure environments
• Escalating tensions with customers and suppliers
• Financial concerns, such as rising material costs
• Working towards tight or unrealistic deadlines
• Changing parameters of projects
• Self-employed traders may have the added pressure of too much responsibility weighing on their shoulders

External factors can always have an impact on a person. Negative influence can badly affect mental health. Knowing more means being able to help and understand more when people need it most.

What are the signs of poor mental health?

Next, it’s important to highlight some of the signs and symptoms business owners can look out for. These include, but are by no means limited to:

• Withdrawal – People may withdraw socially and close themselves off from colleagues
• Character changes – You may notice a change in someone’s personality, with anger and moodiness possibly becoming more noticeable
• Lack of motivation – Someone really engaged might lose interest in their work, a lack of interest that could affect friends, family and colleagues
• Low self-esteem – A person may become overly critical towards themselves, and focus on their weaknesses rather than strengths
• A lack of energy – Fatigue may also signal poor or declining mental health

Remember though, everybody is different. The signs of declining mental health will differ from person to person.

Also, sometimes there are no signs at all. So, it’s important to spark open, honest, and direct workplace conversations surrounding mental health.

What industry changes are necessary?

First things first, the industry is still very much male dominated. And historically, men have been less likely to speak out about poor mental health or seek help for it.

This fear to speak up stems from societal expectations surrounding masculinity.

However, silence perpetuates suffering, and this stigma is something which needs to be tackled.

What can you do?

Employers should make a conscious effort to invest both time and money into mental health training.

If workplaces are made into safe zones and welcoming environments then:

• Conversation is encouraged
• Openness is welcomed
• Potential issues are reduced

Individuals may be concerned about speaking up if there is not the right environment. There is still stigma among tradespeople that others will think people suffering mental issues as inadequate for their job. However, everyone should be treated equally in the workplace, regardless of their mental health.

There needs to be adequate procedures in place so that workers feel supported, and know where to seek help. There are places to turn, so if you’re a business owner or employer, it is good to know the options so you can provide guidance if needed.

So, if you’re a business owner, employee wellbeing should be at the top of your priority list.

What personal coping strategies can be used?

Our mental health is just as important as our physical health, and it’s vital we take care of it just the same.

So, here’s some coping techniques which may be of use:

• Open up – Sharing how you’re feeling (such as with colleagues) can lessen the heaviness of the burden
• Learn some stress coping mechanisms – Understanding triggers and boundaries is vital as well as knowing when to step back
• Prioritise self-care – Physical health has an undeniable impact on mental health, so try to look after your body
• Time management – It’s important to stick to a healthy work schedule, and establish appropriate boundaries

Remember, mental health conditions vary in severity, and the treatment options for each one will vary.

If you’re experiencing mild workplace stress, something like getting a healthier work life balance may well help. However, further professional help may sometimes be necessary.

With any mental health issues, you should always speak to someone. Such as a trained mental health specialist. That isn’t always easy, which is why support offered by an employer is so important.

How can I help colleagues if they are struggling?

Every person is different. Tradespeople need to look after their mental health too. But support can look very different from person to person.

Here are some ideas to consider:

• Practice actively listening
• Give someone the space to talk
• Show empathy
• Ask how you can help
• Offer reassurance

Next, you could offer to support the person as they seek out professional help. Taking this step can seem daunting, and at the time could be one hurdle too many. But with a helping hand, a person’s fears could be lessened.

Mike Humphries from Green Hawk Construction has been open about his own mental health issues. Why not read his story?

There are some handy tips about the effects of working alone and highlighting the importance of starting conversations with colleagues.

Key takeaways

Hopefully we’ve provided you with some key info and thoughts about about tradespeople and mental health. But, if you need some more specific guidance, we’ve collaborated with Alzheimer’s UK to write about how to support workers with dementia.

• If you’re a business owner in the trade industry, make mental health training a priority. If staff members feel supported and able to speak up, they’ll be more willing to share and get help.
• If you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t suffer in silence. Whether it’s in the workplace or beyond, there is always someone that can help. And make you feel less alone.

You could also join a community of likeminded tradespeople, such as with a Checkatrade membership.

Content disclaimer: This content has been created for general information purposes and should not be taken as formal advice. Read our full disclaimer here.