Mental Health In The Trades

Whether you’re a seasoned gas engineer, a newly qualified electrician, or a self-employed plumber running your own show, mental health matters. In this updated guide, we’ll dig into the latest stats, explore what’s really going on behind the scenes, and most importantly, point you towards the support and resources that can make a difference.

Mental Health in the Trades: 2024 Report

The numbers are in, and they’re sobering. According to the latest Ironmongery Direct Mental Health in the Trades Report, a staggering 82% of UK tradespeople have experienced some form of mental health problem due to work-think stress, anxiety, or depression. More than a quarter (27%) report symptoms every week, and 40% experience them every fortnight. Over half (56%) say they feel work-related stress at least once a month.

These aren’t just numbers, they’re your mates, your colleagues, maybe even you.

Ellis Osborn, Ironmongery Direct, had the following to say:

“The findings of our report make it clear that there is still so much more that needs to be done to tackle this crisis, which is impacting so many tradespeople. This has to change!”

Who’s Affected?

No one’s immune, but some groups are feeling the heat more than others.

• Younger tradespeople (Millennials and Gen Z) are especially vulnerable, with 93% of 25–34 year olds and 91% of 18–24’s reporting mental health issues.
• Those aged 35–44 are struggling most frequently, with 13% affected daily.
• Joiners top the charts, with 92% admitting to symptoms, followed closely by bricklayers and other site-based trades.

The truth? Mental health challenges cut across all roles, ages, and backgrounds in the trades.

Top Causes of Stress for Tradespeople

So what’s driving these sky-high stress levels? Here’s what the latest research says:

• Cost-of-living crisis: The number one culprit, with 34% saying it’s their main source of stress.
• Rising cost of materials: 32% cite this as a major anxiety trigger.
• Other financial worries: 25% are feeling the pinch from all directions.
• Poor work-life balance: 24% struggle to switch off or make time for themselves.
• Physical demands and long hours: 12% and 10% respectively say the job is taking its toll.
• Lack of sleep: 8% admit they’re running on empty.
• Workload: Especially for younger tradespeople, with a third of Gen Z unsettled by the sheer volume of work.

If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone. The combination of financial pressure, physical graft, and the constant pressure to perform is a recipe for burnout.

Why Don’t We Talk About It?

Despite the scale of the problem, over half (56%) of tradespeople don’t talk to anyone about their mental health. Nearly half (48%) worry about how others will perceive them if they do open up. In a male-dominated industry, there’s still a strong sense of “just get on with it” or “man up”-but this attitude is costing lives.

The construction industry’s suicide rate is 3.7 times the national average, with more workers dying from suicide than from falls. That’s a statistic no one can ignore.

Barriers to Speaking Up

Why the silence? Here’s what tradespeople say holds them back:

• Fear of judgement: Worries about being seen as weak or unreliable.
• Not knowing where to turn: 90% say they don’t know how to access mental health support.
• Concerns about time off: Over a quarter (26%) feel they can’t take time off for mental health reasons, even when they need it.
• Financial worries: Taking a break means lost income, which many simply can’t afford.

The Impact

Mental health struggles aren’t just “in your head”. They have real-world consequences:

• 16% have taken time off work due to mental health issues (up from 14% last year).
• Among Millennials, more than a quarter (28%) have taken leave because of stress.
• 8% are taking antidepressants or similar medication, and 5% have sought professional help from a counsellor or therapist.

Many more are simply soldiering on, afraid to ask for help.

What Needs to Change?

Let’s be blunt: the industry needs a culture shift. Here’s what would make a difference:

1. Normalising conversations: Talk about mental health, making it as routine as talking about sport or the weather.
2. Better access to support: Clear signposting to resources, helplines, and mental health first aiders.
3. Flexible working and time off: Encouraging tradespeople to take breaks without fear of losing work or reputation.
4. Financial support and advice: Helping people manage the ups and downs of self-employment and the cost-of-living crisis.
5. Industry-wide initiatives: Campaigns like Mates in Mind and the Lighthouse Charity are already making a difference, but more is needed.

Spotting the Signs: What to Look Out For

If you’re worried about yourself or a mate, here are some classic red flags:

• Persistent low mood or irritability
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Talking about feeling hopeless or trapped

If you notice these signs, don’t ignore them. Early action can make all the difference.

How to Act: Looking After Yourself and Others

Talk about it: Whether it’s a mate, a partner, or a professional, sharing how you feel is the first step.

• Take breaks: Regular time off isn’t a luxury-it’s essential. Remember, the average heating engineer only takes 18 days off a year, compared to the national average of 28. That’s not sustainable.
• Stay connected: Make time for family and friends, even if it’s just a quick call or a pint after work.
• Look after your body: Eat well, get some exercise, and try to get enough sleep (easier said than done, we know).
• Know your limits: If you’re self-employed, it’s tempting to take on every job going. But burnout helps no one.
• Access support: Don’t wait until things get really bad. There’s help out there.

Where to Get Help

• Logic4training’s Mental Health First Aiders: If you’re training with us, we’ve got qualified mental health first aiders ready to help.
• Lighthouse Charity: 24/7 free and confidential support for all construction workers and their families. Call 0345 605 1956 or text HARDHAT to 85258.
• Mates in Mind: Promoting mental health across construction and related industries.
• NHS Every Mind Matters: Tips and resources for looking after your mental health.
• Samaritans: 24/7 helpline for anyone in crisis. Call 116 123.

We’ve all heard the horror stories, the mate who kept it bottled up until it was too late, the colleague who quietly disappeared from site, the friend who finally reached out and turned things around. The more we talk about these experiences, the less power the stigma holds.

Don’t suffer in silence. Whether you’re on the tools or running the show, your mental health matters. Take care of yourself and look out for your mates, too. If you need support, reach out. There’s always someone ready to listen.

If you have questions, want to share your story, or need advice about training and support, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here for you.

FAQs

How common are mental health issues in the trades?

More than four in five tradespeople (82%) have experienced stress, anxiety, or depression due to work, with over half feeling work-related stress at least once a month.

What are the main causes of poor mental health for tradespeople?

Top causes include the cost-of-living crisis, rising material costs, financial worries, poor work-life balance, long hours, and physical demands.

Why don’t tradespeople talk about mental health?

Stigma, fear of judgement, not knowing where to get help, and worries about lost income or reputation are the main barriers.

Where can I get support if I’m struggling?

Reach out to Logic4training’s mental health first aiders, the Lighthouse Charity, Mates in Mind, or the NHS.

What can employers and the industry do to help?

Normalise conversations about mental health, provide clear access to support, encourage time off, and promote financial and wellbeing resources across the sector.