Poor mental health is one of the biggest killers among men, especially tradesmen in the UK. Data from the ONS shows that tradesmen have 1.6 times higher suicide rate compared to the male national average, nearly two tradesmen die every day from suicide. That’s a sobering fact. But we are making progress. More campaigns and peer support groups are encouraging positive mental health in the trades, slowly breaking stigma and silence.
In this article, I want to offer practical tips you can actively introduce in your day-to-day life or workplace. These suggestions won’t fix everything overnight but they can be a solid starting point.
1. Education & Awareness
Start with knowledge. Big firms are increasingly offering staff training in stress management but smaller companies and sole traders can offer this in ways that suit their businesses.
- Use free online webinars, YouTube videos, and podcasts. (Soon to have my own)
- Read blogs, articles, and reliable sources on recognising early signs of anxiety, anger, and depression.
- Share useful videos or articles with your apprentices and engineer over lunch.
Awareness comes before action. The more you understand your stress triggers or emotional patterns, the sooner you can act on them.
2. Access to Support Services
In larger companies, mental health support may include occupational counselling or Employee Assistance Programmes. But as a small employer or solo tradesman, you can still build a culture of empathy.
- Avoid the old “just graft harder” mentality, it only worsens things.
- Speak openly about your own stress or mental setbacks to show it’s safe to talk.
- Share information on local mental health charities, helplines, or online counselling services.
- Encourage paired ‘check-ins’ with your engineers, like a toolbox talk but this one focusing on emotions.
Promoting emotional openness leads to a resilient team and more productive work in the long run.
3. Life Balance
Many tradesmen fall into the "graft till you drop" trap: long hours, low rates, little family time, and no breaks. This inevitably affects mental health. Here are ways to reclaim balance.
- Define clear work hours, even if you’re self-employed. Switch off WhatsApp or email after set times.
- Build rest and recharge into your calendar, no guilt.
- Explore comfortable routines: daily walks, gym sessions, mornings off with the kids, dates nights with your partner or weekend away if it’s feasible.
If your business feels overwhelming, it might be time to talk to a mentor or a coach. From personal experience this was one of the best things I did to make my business work for me and claim back my time.
4. Peer Support Networks
You don’t have to face it all alone. Talking with other tradesmen who understand the pressure can be powerful.
- Join local meetups or mental health groups. As far as I’m aware there are no tailored groups for tradesmen but you can see if there is one for men in your area. You can read some of my recommendations here
- Explore online forums where men discuss everything from stress to anger management.
- Consider starting a small peer support group with a few trusted friends or contractors.
Men often believe they should cope alone, but peer connection can hugely improve perspective and resilience.
5. Do Something You Love
When your free time becomes an afterthought, burnout follows.
- Pick a hobby that’s unrelated to work like music, walking, gaming, reading, sport.
- Block time for it each week, just like a job task.
- Share it. Invite a friend, partner, or a family member to join you.
Simple pleasures can lift mood, reduce stress hormones, and remind you life is more than just work.
6. Mindset & Physical Health
Good mental health is not only about the mind, but also the body.
- Exercise regularly. Weight lifting, running or walking. Find what suits you.
- Sleep matters. Even short naps can help when life gets hectic.
- Rethink caffeine and alcohol intake. Too much fuels anxiety.
The health of our bodies and minds are far more interconnected that you may think.
7. Regular Self Check-ins
It’s easy to ignore how you feel until something breaks:
- Every few months, pause and reflect. Do I get enough sleep? Eating well? Being present with loved ones? Feeling motivated?
- If things feel off, take small steps, tweak your daily schedule, message a friend, see a counsellor, or pick up a good book.
Early intervention avoids larger breakdowns.
8. Online Counselling & Talking Therapies
If the hard stuff gets too much, talking therapy or counselling is a strong step forward, and it’s more accessible than ever:
- Search for “online counselling” or “counsellor near me” to find remote or local options or drop me a message if you would like a personal recommendation. I may be still in training but I have managed to meet a few good counsellors that I can sing post you.
- Many UK services offer free or low-cost sessions, if finances are tight
- It’s confidential, judgement free, and you don’t need a diagnosis.
Changing your mental health is a journey, not an event. By building awareness, opening up to support, balancing life and work, and taking care of yourself, you’re creating a foundation for long term wellbeing.
It’s not weakness to ask for help. It’s a sign of strength. And every step you take matters.