The Mind Matters Too!

The conversation around Tradie Health generally focuses on physical health - their strength, their body, their diet, sleeping habits... the list goes on. But how often does the conversation swing to their mental and emotional health?

We spoke to one of our Provisional Psychologists, Bronte Civill, about the mental health struggles Tradies are likely to face, as a result of their profession.

Does being a Tradie come with Mental Health risk factors?

Bronte explains "Often trades are very male dominated industries, and there is a lot of stigma around their profession - they are stereotyped as being 'tough, independent and in-control', and seeking help, even just talking to a mate, can be seen as a real sign of weakness to their peers. These factors lead to a tendency to 'bottle up' their emotions and thoughts, which puts them at a higher risk for depression and anxiety."

Bronte Continues "It is also an industry where drug and alcohol abuse is common, relationship problems and family breakdowns are frequent, and there are issues with job security. Most tradies are self-employed, if not sole-traders, and their work opportunities will fluctuate, which puts pressure on managing finances and making ends meet. Add on the long hours, tight deadlines and lots of travel and you have a stressful, exhausting situation."

Has the pandemic had any effect on this?

Bronte explains "yes, unfortunately the pandemic has resulted in more stressers for tradies - with staffing limitations, virus outbreaks shutting sites down, increases in demand, removal of breakrooms the mental health risks for tradies have increased. A University of Melbourne study has shown a dramatic increase in suicide risk among construction workers since the onset of the pandemic, particularly ominous among those with entry level or lower skills"

What are some tips to support Tradie Mental Health?

• Break the stigma and have open conversations with colleagues
• Check in on your colleagues - notice if they aren't quite themselves
• Be self-aware and seek additional supports when needed - this could be your mob, family, friends or professional help.
• Pacing yourself throughout the day to avoid burnout or fatigue.
• Limit exposure to alcohol and drugs - this can develop into maladaptive coping mechanisms - leading to more issues in long-term.
• Put some time aside during the week to engage in deep relaxation - manage stress level and tension in the body - progressive muscle relaxation (guided by spotify/apple or YouTube), take a warm bath, meditation, or recieve a message etc.
• Dont forget to engage in life - continue to particpate in activities you enjoy - try out a new hobby, spend quality time with family.
• Practice mindfulness - acknowledge feelings and emotions as they come, express these in a safe place, try not to judge ourselves for feeling a certain way - we all have emotions. Bottling up unexpressed thoughts, feelings and emotions can lead to further mental tension which can be outwardly expressed in explosive or unpredictable ways - try jotting down your thoughts on a piece of paper or in your phone notes. You may wish to reflect on these, erase and then move forward, or if they are still impacting you find a safe person to discuss/explore further.
• Maintain stable and nutritious diet - try eating or snacking every 2-3hrs throughout the day - fasting can impact energy levels, cause headaches, make it difficult to regulate emotions, and further mental fatigue.
• Have a sleep schedule - try and aim for 7-8hrs sleep.
• Warming up each day before commencing work with targeted stretches – to avoid injury/pain/reduce tension/maintain work engagement.?

IWC Content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice. See a certified medical professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.