Mental health concerns among construction workers are higher than rates among the general population, according to an American Centres for Disease Control and Prevention study.

Mates in Mind, a UK charity, points out that everyone has mental health. It can vary from good to poor and be anywhere in-between.

It can fluctuate over an hour, day, week, or year. It can be impacted by our work, past experiences, and life outside work, often a combination of all three.

However, despite the work of charities, including Mates in Mind, to raise awareness and understanding about mental health, and even though organisations have a legal duty of care to ensure the health (including mental health) and safety of their employees, the message still does not appear to be getting through.

In 2023/24, 776,000 workers experienced work-related stress, depression or anxiety, according to HSE. And yet, only 6% of men, and 4% of women, said that they would discuss their mental health experiences with their employer, a study by Aviva found.

 A study by Direct Ironmongery revealed that work-related stress among tradespeople jumped by nearly 30% last year compared to the previous year.

It found that 91% of tradespeople say they’ve experienced work-related stress in the last year, with 56% indicating they experience it at least once a week.

Ross Comer from St. John's Ambulance recently told Clive Holland on the Clive Holland Show: "The stigma runs so deep that 71% admit to giving their employer a different reason—like a physical illness—when taking time off for mental health. Even more concerning is that four in 10 builders say they’d rather quit their job than speak up.”

If you or someone you know is struggling at the moment, a range of resources is available to help. One such resource is Fix Radio Foundation, which provides tradespeople with six free counselling sessions to address their mental health needs.