Research shows half of UK tradespeople have mental health problems  

Nearly half (49%) of UK tradespeople experience mental health problems due to work related issues, a study has found.

Coinciding with World Mental Health Day (10^th October), the research, by IronmongeryDirect found that nearly three in five (58%) experience some form of mental health problem, such as stress, anxiety or depression, at least once a week.

Money worries cause the most stress, with 38% of tradespeople blaming financial situations for giving them anxiety.

Other issues, such as tensions with customers (31%) and suppliers (29%), are also major causes of concern for tradespeople.

The 10 issues which cause the most stress for tradespeople:

1. Finances (38%)
2. Tensions with customers (31%)
3. Tensions with suppliers (29%)
4. High workload (26%)
5. Tensions with business partners (26%)
6. Job security (21%)
7. Doing the best job for customers (12%)
8. Making mistakes (11%)
9. Abuse from customers (6%)
10. Lack of work (5%)

Female tradespeople (57%) are significantly more likely to experience work related mental health problems than their male counterparts (41%).

Additionally, the main causes of stress and anxiety differ between the genders, with women more likely to feel stressed due to finances (39%) and tensions with business partners (29%), whilst men are more affected by high workloads (39%) and tensions with suppliers (37%).

When it comes to age, middle aged tradespeople experience the most work-related related mental health issues. Nearly three in five (57%) tradies aged between 45-54 report stress and anxiety due to work.

Bricklayers are the most likely tradespeople to experience mental health problems, with a shocking 73% admitting to dealing with issues such as stress and anxiety. In contrast, surveyors (18%) are the trade least likely to have poor mental health.

Mind’s top tips for dealing with mental health problems

1. Understand more about stress.
2. Figure out what you find helpful to deal with your mental health, as well as what can trigger it.
3. Learn about different coping techniques and if they work for you.
4. Exercise regularly.
5. Practise mindfulness and meditation.
6. Open up and talk to your family, friends and colleagues.

When dealing with mental health problems, nearly half (48%) of tradespeople said they choose to talk to friends and families about their issues. Less than a third (32%) choose to seek counselling, while more than a quarter (28%) take medication.

The research also found that a similar number (29%) do not feel comfortable talking to people close to them about their mental health. Furthermore, more than a third (34%) do not know how to access support services.