Commercial and Compliance Director at NAPIT, Stephen Melton, encourages more conversations around mental health in tradespeople.
Statistics show it can be a challenge for tradespeople to open up about their mental health struggles, especially when working in the perceived ‘macho’ site environment or whilst working alone. This is why we must encourage more conversations on the subject and remove the stigma around mental health for skilled trade workers.
The World Mental Health Day theme ‘It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace’ provides us with an opportunity to open up about what tradespeople experience. Those who are in the trade are faced with work-related struggles that can have an impact on their mental wellbeing.
The cost-of-living crisis, personal, family or business finances, work overload, a poor work-life balance, pressures of being a self-employed trader, physical demands and long workdays, sometimes away from home, are just some of the many struggles tradespeople constantly face, which can have an effect on their mental health.
Opening up and having honest conversations about what is affecting your mental wellbeing isn’t easy, but it’s a positive start to address your mental health. Almost nine in ten tradespeople (88%) say they don’t feel comfortable talking about their mental health with others, according to Ironmongery Direct.
Furthermore, 7% of UK tradespeople say they worry what others would think if they told them about their mental health situation. Our hope is that during World Mental Health Day, we can help tradespeople understand that suffering mental health concerns are common and nothing to be ashamed of.
For an employed tradesperson, it’s important to have open conversations with your employer about what is causing you stress at work and seek what support you can get, without fear of becoming labelled ‘fragile’ or ‘high maintenance’.
I want to acknowledge that for sole traders working alone, it can be difficult to have these conversations talking about how work is harming your wellbeing. Speaking with a friend, family member, neighbour or someone from a mental health helpline could help.
These conversations must take place not just on World Mental Health Day, but all year round. We must learn and share how we can recognise mental health struggles and what support is available.
I hope that we can encourage not just NAPIT members but all tradespeople to check in with each other and don’t hesitate to seek help if you feel like you need it.
Below we have put together some helpful resources and contacts.
Guides & Resources
Contacts
Samaritans
The Samaritans offer emotional support 24 hours a day – in full confidence.
Writing an email can be a calm and safe way to work through what’s on your mind.
Samaritans volunteers answer each email that comes through to [email protected]
It may take several days to receive a reply by email. If you need someone straight away, you can call 116 123 any time day or night.
SHOUT
For free, confidential support, 24/7, text SHOUT to 85258.
If you are struggling to cope and need to talk, trained Shout volunteers are available day or night.
Lighthouse Charity
The Lighthouse Charity provides emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to the construction community and their families.
Helpline: UK – 0345 605 1956
Or email [email protected]
The Electrical Industries Charity (EIC)
The EIC plays a vital role in the welfare and betterment of individuals associated with the electrical and energy industry.
Helpline: 0800 652 1618
Or email [email protected]