Skilled trades play a vital role in maintaining the essential systems that support our daily lives. From HVAC technicians to plumbers, these professionals work behind the scenes, often in physically and emotionally demanding environments. The urgent and fast-paced nature of trades work can significantly impact mental health. In addition, the mental health challenges faced by tradespeople are frequently overlooked, due to stigma surrounding mental health care.

At Josselyn, a Community Mental Health Center, our clinicians work with clients from all backgrounds, including the skilled trades, and recognize the unique struggles faced by these professionals. 

In this article, Josselyn’s Director of Internships Thomas P. Tharayil, LCSW, BCD, and Clinical Supervisor and Therapist Matthew Frank, LCSW, CADC, provide actionable advice for fostering mental wellness in the skilled trades and offer tailored strategies and tips to navigate stress. 

Understanding the Stressors 

Tradespeople face unique challenges, including physically demanding work, irregular hours, and high-pressure situations. As Tharayil notes, “Tradespeople often work long hours in challenging physical conditions. There are high risks for injuries, repetitive strains, exposure to hazardous environments, and extreme weather conditions.” Over time, these factors can lead to chronic stress and burnout. 

 Responding to emergencies when systems break down is also a common part of the job. Tharayil shares, “For instance, the pressure of a cooling system failure right before a playoff basketball game in an arena caused a client of mine to have a panic attack.” Tharayil cites additional examples including the seasonal demands of ensuring A/C is functioning during heat waves and heating is sufficient during cold snaps that add to the stress for those who monitor and fix these complex systems. 

 Additionally, trades professionals often encounter intense emotional stress. Frank highlights the customer dynamic, explaining, “Trade professionals are often called into a job in which tensions are already high, and the customer feels like they are in an emergency.” Balancing the technical demands of the job with the need to manage unhappy customers can be draining.  

Moreover, the stigma surrounding mental health in these professions exacerbates the issue. Unlike physical injuries, mental health struggles are invisible, leading to a lack of understanding and support. “If you broke your leg, you’d get a cast, and people would offer care and patience. Individuals with mental health diagnoses or even short-term challenges don’t get the same visible acknowledgment,” Frank points out. 

Building Mental Health Awareness

Raising awareness about mental health is critical. Trades professionals, like anyone, need to recognize their own mental health needs and understand how addressing these can improve their quality of life. Frank emphasizes the importance of self-awareness by sharing, “Raising awareness of your own mental health may lead to a better understanding of why you feel the way you do and why others act the way they do.” 

Strategies for Mental Wellness

 Incorporate Small Breaks: Tradespeople often work under tight deadlines. Short, frequent breaks can significantly improve mental clarity. Use these moments to stretch, take deep breaths, or simply enjoy a moment of quiet. 

Build a Support Network: Connecting with colleagues can provide an outlet for sharing challenges and receiving advice. Having someone who understands the specific pressures of the job can be invaluable.

Set Boundaries: Establishing routines and boundaries can help manage stress. Frank shares his experience from the 2020 lockdown: “I created a virtual commute for myself to wind down before and after work. Communicating this need to family and friends ensured they respected my boundaries.”

Practice Effective Communication: When dealing with difficult customers, prioritize “I statements” to express your feelings and focus on problem-solving. For example, instead of saying, “You’re being unreasonable,” try, “I feel frustrated because my work is being undervalued. Let’s find a solution together.”

Seek Professional Support: Starting therapy can feel daunting, but trusted resources such as doctors, friends, family, or local community services, like Josselyn, can help you find the right provider. Online tools like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also offer directories for mental health professionals.

Evaluate Support Systems: Reflect on who and what provides you with the most support. Are there gaps that need to be addressed? Implementing self-care routines or finding new outlets for stress relief can make a significant difference.  

Recognizing the Costs of Burnout

Burnout occurs when there is a loss of motivation, purpose, or enjoyment in your work, or when work feels less rewarding. In this state, individuals may become irritable and have difficulty interacting positively with others. Over time, chronic stress and burnout can lead to serious physical health consequences, ranging from ulcers to heart conditions.  

“Burnout signals that something requires attention and change,” explains Frank. He recommends the following tips to prevent or manage the symptoms of burnout: 

Evaluate Your Current Support System: Reflect on the people, activities, and resources that currently make up your support network (e.g., who, what, when, and where). Assess whether these elements are contributing to or detracting from your well-being. For instance, consider activities such as shopping, eating, using alcohol, exercising, or communicating with loved ones — whether positively or negatively.

Analyze the Impact of Your Supports: Take time to examine how these supports influence your personal and professional goals. Identify which elements enhance your ability to succeed and which may be counterproductive. 

Identify Missing Support Elements: Determine what might be absent from your support system that could help you manage stress more effectively. Consider incorporating practices that improve overall well-being, such as relaxation techniques, effective communication strategies, or cultivating self-compassion. 

Conduct a Comprehensive Cost-Benefit Analysis: Evaluate your situation holistically, extending beyond financial considerations. This process can assist in recognizing when it may be necessary to step away from toxic or unproductive work environments. 

Mental health is an integral part of overall wellness, particularly for trades professionals who face unique and persistent stressors. Taking action, like incorporating regular breaks, leaning on your support system, or seeking professional help, can lead to significant improvements in mental well-being. At Josselyn, we are committed to supporting clients of all backgrounds with the highest quality, comprehensive mental health care. 

About Josselyn

Josselyn is a certified Community Mental Health Center which, for more than 70 years, has provided quality, accessible mental health services, including therapy, psychiatry, and other specialized services. Through our clinics in Grayslake, Highland Park, Highwood, Northbrook, Northfield, and Waukegan, we serve nearly 8,000 clients from 300 communities. Learn more at josselyn.org.