The cost of working in the trades

The biggest killer of men under the age of 50 in the UK is suicide. Men working in the construction industry are four times more likely to die by suicide than the national average in the UK, according to a 2023 report by Mates in Mind. Four times. How can this be?

According to the ONS, there were 5,000 suicides registered in England in 2021, three-quarters of which were male. ONS statistics from 2024 show this continued trend of male suicide accounting for 75% of all suicides in the UK. 

Significant factors behind these statistics

Studies show that tradesmen face disproportionately high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. One of the leading contributors is job insecurity. A high number of tradesmen work self-employed, on fixed-term contracts with fluctuating workloads. The combination of working long hours with physically demanding labour leaves little time for rest, leading to exhaustion and burnout. 

Tradesmen are often isolated, with many working alone, in tough conditions. This can include working in various weather conditions and often at heights, adding to the general feeling of discomfort and stress throughout their working day. In addition to this, the combination of limited social interaction and operating alone for long periods of time leads men to have little opportunity to talk. 

The stigma of male masculinity and a ‘man up’ culture still exists, despite various societal changes and different approaches from the government and mental health professionals to raise awareness of available mental health support for men. However, the research shows men are still less likely to reach out for help than women. Only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies were for men. Men are also more likely to become dependent on alcohol or drugs than women. 

For centuries, men have been expected to be providers and protectors for their families, which has reinforced the idea that expressing emotions can be seen as a sign of ‘weakness’ and being ‘inadequate’. Traditional masculinity develops at a young age: 'being strong', competitive, independent and 'tough'. These behaviours develop through the playground at school, sports teams and even at home.

The media continues to portray male protagonists as stoic and strong, by suppressing emotions and showing ‘resilience’. While resilience may bring useful qualities to aid with problem solving, coping with adversity, and life’s challenges, emotional regulation is often ignored within the film industry. When Matt Damon plays Jason Bourne, he is portrayed as calculated, efficient, but rarely expressing any sort of emotion... let alone telling somebody how he feels. Bourne depicts the traditional masculinity qualities listed above.

Although this might be extreme, it leads men of all ages to assume that this is how a ‘strong’ man looks and how he is able to ‘cope’ with adversity. There is no doubt that there are benefits to being competitive, independent and ‘tough’, but can this create a culture of hiding emotions in order to be accepted by outdated societal views?

Of course, these are general stereotypes. Not all men hold these qualities. 

Considerations

Connection

Research has shown that meaningful social relationships contribute to living longer and healthier lives. Connection and community are deeply rooted in our evolutionary history and have been essential for our survival. Of course, connection looks different in the 21st century with the use of the internet and social media. However, the longing for emotional bonds is still there. Think of someone in your life whom you consider one of your closest relationships. How do you feel during and after spending time with that person? I would guess that you feel an improvement in your mood. Spending time with family and friends is something we do frequently, without considering the long term impact this has on our well-being.

Therapy

Within therapy, we can learn healthier coping strategies, develop emotional strength and create new habits for when things are tough. 

CBT is a type of evidence-based talking therapy, working with our thought patterns and deep-rooted beliefs about ourselves. CBT looks at our ‘faulty’ thinking and generational views we hold as our ‘truth’, often being the unwritten rules by which we live our lives. With a CBT therapist, you can learn tools and techniques to continue using once the therapy has come to an end. As CBT is practical and results-based, it can often align with the problem-solving mindset a number of men have. 

There are other therapeutic approaches which could allow a man to explore the origins of their beliefs and to evaluate the impact they have on the present day. 

Mindfulness

In recent years, scientific research has confirmed the many benefits of practising mindfulness. There are many online resources available, apps such as Headspace and many online videos, podcasts. Mindfulness can help with managing stress, anxiety, sleep and even our physical health. Using mindfulness as part of a regular routine can provide these long-term benefits. 

Whether you are a tradesman or not, if this article has resonated with you, I invite you to reach out for support and to see how therapy can help you.