Help is always out there
THE “hardman” image of those in the building trade means most won’t talk about their mental health, a survey shows.
But under the hard hat, more than one in three workers suffer with their mental health and 80 per cent would like the tools to manage it.
A further 79 per cent reckon there’s still a stigma around it in the industry and 85 per cent feel co-workers are reluctant to talk about any such struggles, research by Chadwicks reveals.
Another 80 per cent of builders, plumbers, carpenters and electricians feel they’d benefit from training on it, while 62 per cent have noticed co-workers on site suffering with such issues.
Most of those who work in building trades are men, with women making up just five per cent of the workforce.
The findings were revealed as part of the new How’s Your Head campaign, launched yesterday by therapist, footballer and advocate Richie Sadlier.
Sadlier said: “There is a perception among many that the construction industry is male dominated.
“In my work as a psychotherapist, I hear about how when lads get together, they shy away from really talking about how they’re feeling.
“It’s common for many of us with work colleagues after the weekend to ask: ‘How’s the head?’ — implying the question is specifically associated with their social lives.
Hope
“However, when asking this question in future, I hope more people might use it as an opportunity to check how others are generally feeling.”
How’s Your Head aims to raise awareness of the importance of discussing mental health among tradespeople.
A total of 100 workers were asked last month about their experience of mental health and their views of attitudes within the trades.
Feeling stressed or anxious (77 per cent), a low mood (65 per cent) and sleep problems (60 per cent) are the most common symptoms tradespeople feel when struggling with their mental health.
When experiencing stress or anxiencourage ety, 64 per cent say they tend to keep their feelings to themselves, rather than talk about it with others.
While the research reveals most tradespeople can often internalise how they’re feeling, most are vocal about wanting to learn more about how to manage their mental health.
When it comes to support, 80 per cent agree they could benefit from more tips on how to manage their mental health, and another 80 per cent would like mental health training, in particular knowing how to spot signs in others.
Recognising the importance of mental health to colleague’s well-being, Chadwicks, in conjunction with VHI, runs an ongoing mental health awareness programme, designed to help colleagues manage their mental health better.
Patrick Atkinson, CEO of Chadwicks, said: “The research shows that there is more to be done to tradespeople to feel comfortable [in] talking about their mental health and speak to others they work with too.
“While it’s positive to see that 80 per cent of tradespeople want more tips on how to manage their mental health better, 85 per cent are reluctant to speak with others.
“We hope this campaign will encourage tradespeople to speak up about how they’re feeling.”
As part of the campaign, €1 from every sale of PPE (personal protective equipment) — which includes high-vis jackets, hard hats, safety boots and goggles — in all Chadwicks branches nationwide for the
SOME 85 per cent of tradesmen feel colleagues are reluctant to talk about their mental health, while 38 per cent say their mental health could be improved — and 80 per cent say they could do with tips on how to manage it better.
Some 77 per cent say feeling stressed or anxious is a common symptom, while another 64 per cent of tradesmen say they would keep it to themselves..
If you need to talk to someone, there are a number of helplines you can contact for confidential non-judgemental support.
Most helplines can provide a listening service, give information and advice, provide emotional support or point you in the direction of other services.
They are often free-phone services which are staffed by trained volunteers or employees.
If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide or self-harm, you should immediately do one of the following:
● Phone or go to your local doctor
● Go to the Accident & Emergency department of the nearest hospital
● Call 999
If you are concerned that you or a family member/ friend have a mental health problem you should seek the advice and support of your GP.
For further support, contact The Samaritans. Samaritans is a unique charity dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide. next four weeks, will be donated to Irish mental health charity Aware.
Previous industry research has found that the biggest contributors to poor mental health among those in such jobs was work-related stress (44 per cent), unrealistic work targets (29 per cent) and a macho environment which leaves employees uncomfortable about seeking help.
Stress, anxiety or depression accounts for 27 per cent of work-related illness in the sector.
For more information on the ‘How’s Your Head’ campaign, visit https://www.chadwicks.ie/blog.