Beyond Blue study reveals Australian skill shortage impacting more than half of tradies’ mental health

The mental health of one in two tradies across the country has taken a hit due to the nation’s skill shortage, a new study has revealed. Boots manufacturer Steel Blue together with Beyond Blue and the Australian Physiotherapy Association surveyed 1200 tradespeople revealing more than half were struggling mentally as a result of the skills shortage. A fifth of respondents also reported they would not tell anyone if they had depression and almost half said poor mental health had a negative impact on their relationships. Beyond Blue chief executive Georgie Harman said the results were concerning but she was not surprised. “I am not that surprised by the most recent survey, it shows trades is a really stressful place to work right now,” she said. “There is a combination of a loss of earnings, insecure work, rising cost of living, and labour supply challenges that are contributing to financial and mental distress.” Physical injuries from work also played an impact on tradies’ mental health with 42 per cent describing their pain as severe. One in four tradies feared they would have to retire early due to the repetitive stress on their bodies. Tradie turned mental health advocate Michael Weston knows the mental toll of being in the industry all too well. “I loved the job and the people I worked with but it was highly stressful and highly demanding. One day I was found collapsed out the front of my house but I was not diagnosed with a brain injury for another 12 months,” he said. “Through that year I still tried to do my role at work but my mental health started to take a decline. There was daily episodes of panic attacks as soon as I saw the front gates. “I just thought I was weak. I continued to keep my mental health secret for 14 months.” After having a breakdown in front of his supervisor and considering taking his own life before his wife took him to the hospital that finally prompted him to speak out. “I think back now and I just wish that I and others had a better education to look out for myself and others,” he said. More people are starting to seek support since the survey started in 2022 with more than 60 per cent saying they knew how to protect their mental health in times of stress. “It is not as high as we would like but it is great that a lot of tradies know what to do to look after their mental health — that is a big shift from a few years ago,” Ms Harman said. She said different strategies needed to be used to help the male-dominated industries speak out more about their mental health struggles. “The industry is mainly men so we need to approach the issue a bit differently and helping them open up in a way that works for them,” Ms Harman said. “This could be talking shoulder to shoulder while doing something like a hobby, driving, or while walking. Those are the kind of moments that will open up a conversation.” The study comes as Beyond Blue celebrates its 10-year anniversary as a partner with Steel Blue on August 1. Beyond Blue provides 24/7 free counselling, advice and referrals via phone on 1300 224 636 or online Lifeline 13 11 14