Mental health continues to be an area of concern across the trade industry, with two construction workers taking their own lives every working day across the UK and Ireland.

This is according to the construction charity the Lighthouse Charity, which has aimed to help shine the spotlight on how vital it is for tradespeople to prioritise mental health by recently forming a new partnership with builder’s merchant Travis Perkins plc.

Upon announcing the partnership, the Lighthouse Charity’s CEO Sarah Bolton pointed out: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Travis Perkins to ensure their teams are accessing the support and training they need to facilitate a positive mental health culture.

“Encouraging frank conversations within the industry will help reduce the stigma of sharing concerns surrounding poor wellbeing, including mental health. Amplifying the message of support across every level of our industry is critical and working collaboratively with organisations such as Travis Perkins helps us achieve that.”

Anyone in a professional trade must be prioritising their wellbeing. Meeting various deadlines and addressing late payments are just a couple of scenarios which can cause a tradesperson to become stressed.

Travis Perkins, which also aims to raise awareness and encourage conversations to be started around mental health through its #ManDown campaign, has provided some pointers on how tradespeople can better protect their mental health…

Avoid working alone

Tom Hutchinson, a bricklayer from the Isle of Sheppey, has recently spoken to BBC Radio Kent about how different a job is when done by yourself compared to doing a task where other people are around you.

He noted that “banter and things like that are very important, and it is quite social” when there is more than one person around doing a job. With this comment in mind, try and do tasks in at least a pair.

Try to get away from the actual workplace environment at times too. Attending events like training courses, webinars and workshops which are relevant to your trade can be a great way to speak to other tradespeople and build up your network within your chosen industry. You could learn new skills throughout as well.

Celebrate your accomplishments

The world of work can sometimes feel like you have been put on fast forward, but it is important for your stress levels to sometimes stop and reflect – especially when you have completed a particularly successful job.

Your anxiety levels can be reduced and your self-esteem given a boost if you record how a job that you are particularly proud of developed from the setting out of goals, through to vital actions taken and then the finished result. Knowing what has worked well means that you are likely to repeat the process again the next time you do a similar task.

Sharing your accomplishments by posting success stories on LinkedIn and other popular social media platforms is also encouraged, as both your positivity and your high-quality work could attract interest from new customers.

Work-life balance

It can be difficult to switch off from work as a tradesperson, as getting quotes for new jobs and planning out the work can be tempting to trickle into your evening or weekend routine.

According to research by specialist insurance provider Tradesman Saver though, 24 per cent of UK tradespeople admit that a poor work-life balance is causing them problems with their mental health.

It is important to avoid burnout by working long hours too many times. So, try to keep to your working hours and then follow these three tips once the working day is done:

  • Take a break from screens and mobiles – even just an hour having your phone on silent when you go for a walk in the evening can help to rebalance your mind and avoid the risk of becoming overwhelmed.
  • De-stress after work doing something you enjoy – reconnect with a hobby, for instance, or improve your physical wellbeing with some exercise.
  • Catch up with family and friends – whether this is by meeting up for a coffee after work with some of them or just giving someone a call to check in, you will feel good that you have made the time to socialise.

Specialised support 

As a tradesperson, you have access to so much free dedicated support and resources when you are struggling with your mental health.

Here are just a couple of organisations who specialise in helping those in trade industries:

  • Lighthouse – The Construction Charity, which provides construction workers and their family members with emotional, financial and physical wellbeing support.
  • Mates in Mind, a charity which aims to promote mental health across the construction sector and industries related to this trade.

Of course, there is always help provided by organisations which do not only focus on the trade sector too.

You might benefit from joining a free, non-judgmental talking group set up by Andy’s Man Club, for instance, want a chat with Samaritans, or need support or information from leading mental health charity Mind’s helpline.

Natalie Ashcroft, HR Business Partner for CCF and Group Stay Well Ambassador at Travis Perkins, said: “The important message to remember when it comes to protecting your mental health is to reach out for help, whether that be through some of the professional services listed, or a friend or work colleague.

“Your mental health affects how you think, feel and act depending on where you are at socially, psychologically and emotionally. Letting mental health issues develop will have an impact on how you can handle stress, cope with the challenges that life throws at you, and how you relate to others.”