It’s no surprise that due to the pandemic, we have seen an increase in the number of people who struggle with mental health issues and illnesses over the course of the last two years. Supply chain issues have caused employment insecurity, so workers question their ability to keep a roof over their head and food on the table. Lockdowns and isolation have made people lonely and depressed. People fear for their loved ones’ health as well, as many of us now know someone personally who has had, or has died from, Covid. Every demographic has had their share of woes during the pandemic, but today, our focus is on trades people.
A British study from 2020* shows that 3 of 5 tradespeople say that the pandemic has negatively affected their mental health. The findings show that worries about loved ones (52%), financial concerns (51%) and fears of being made redundant (41%) are the things most troubling to trade workers in the UK.
Here in Canada, an article on bcbuildingtrades.org cites that 83% of construction workers have experienced a mental health issue. Mental illness is currently the leading cause of disability in the workplace in that sector, according to the Construction Industry Rehabilitation Plan. CIRP executive director, Vicky Waldron, is quoted as saying, “It is widely recognized that suicide rates amongst construction workers remain some of the highest.”
Sadly, suicide amongst trade workers is a growing concern, even locally. The Local 700 Ironworkers Union came on board with strong support for No One Stands Alone early on, as they have suffered the loss of a few of their own to suicide in recent years. It is unfortunate that there is still stigma surrounding asking for mental health, and in a heavily male-dominated industry like the trades, it can be difficult for men to show vulnerability to ask for the help they need. They may fear that disclosing their mental health problems will cost them their reputation or even their job. Too many suffer in silence until it is too late.
Although detecting mental illness can be difficult, there are signs that everyone should be able to recognize: (from rightio.co.uk)
- An increased rate of absence
- An increased rate of alcohol or drug consumption
- Instability in family and relationships
- Decreased quality of work
- Increased irritability
- Potential health issues
An employer that notices an employee displaying one or more of these problems should offer counseling and support. As friends, family and coworkers, we need to get more comfortable with the concept of, if you see something, say something.
We at No One Stands Alone are pleased to be partnered with BASES (Bluewater Association for Safety, Environment and Sustainability). BASES provides safety training for all the trades in the Chemical Valley area. This training includes a module on mental health, and everyone who takes the training now receives one of our mental health resource and support guides to take home with them. The guide is full of first contact resources from a variety of agencies, accommodating everyone from infants to the elderly. It is a valuable tool to help others find the help they need – the first time.
Our mission is to make these booklets available in many places; easy to find and free to take one home. Our print costs have doubled over last year so fundraising is in full swing to be able to continue to place booklets in more locations in more communities.
A person lost to mental health struggles is a tragedy felt by the community. We ask that you consider helping us by becoming a sponsor or by donating to our cause. By being a part of what we do, you can help save lives, too.
Reference:
*https://www.mentalmovement.co.uk/3-in-5-tradespeople-say-pandemic-has-impacted-their-mental-health/