Coronavirus, Mental Health and Tradespeople
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While I’ve been writing weekly about how I’ve felt during this pandemic, in many ways I myself am lucky.
As I work full time on my blog, I have no reason to leave the bungalow, while Ash is my carer and facing his own health battles as well.
I can’t imagine what it has been like for people who have had no choice but to carry on working. Putting themselves out there to bring in money and complete work for others, while facing an unseen virus.
During the break between lockdown 1 and 2, we had our bathroom changed into a wet room. With this, we had a number of tradespeople coming and going over the 5 days this took place. We got to see first-hand all the new rules and regulations they are having to follow and all the practices they have put in place to keep both them and us as safe as possible.
For instance, if one of us needed the toilet while they were working, they would have to completely spray down the room before and after. Masks were worn, areas were sprayed and so much extra had to be done.
So, it is little wonder that tradespeople are struggling with their mental health.
Tradespeople and Their Mental Health.
During mental health awareness week, Local Heroes conducted research into how tradespeople were coping and the findings were shocking.
Local Heroes spoke to 500 tradespeople from across the country. From this, 7 out of 10 (70%) said that they were experiencing mental health issues. Breaking that down a little more, 44% said they were suffering from stress, 37% feeling low, 35% anxiety, and 28% depression.
48% said they had sought help for their mental health, with the younger generation more likely to ask for a helping hand than the older.
However, how does that relate to work? Well, 4 in 5 people (79%) said that they feel their jobs negatively impact their mental health. Long hours, pressure from their companies, and pay all contribute to this feeling.
When it comes to coronavirus itself, three in five (60%) felt it had had a negative impact on their health. This is contributed to by a mix of worrying about the health of loved ones, finances, and the prospect of job loss.
Sadly, 60% of those who answered the survey believed that there is still a stigma around mental health. Something I see and fight against myself.
With those statistics in mind about tradespeople mental health, what can anyone do to help look after their mental health?
Mental Health Tips.
Everyone has mental health, and no matter if it is good or bad, it is something we should all take care of. However, it is perhaps harder to look after when times are hard.
Here are some tips to help you if you feel that your mental health is declining:
Talk About It.
From consulting a professional to talking openly with friends and family, being honest about the situation and how you are coping can make a big difference.
Practice Mindfulness.
There are many different styles and techniques when it comes to mindfulness. It can take a while to find those that work best for you; mindfulness most definitely isn’t a one style fits all technique. However, once you do, these can help ground you and bring your mind more into the present.
Limit Your News Intake.
If your mental health is being adversely affected by the pandemic, then try and limit the news you are taking in. Also, make sure that any news you do read comes from a reputable source – we all know how some media outlets like to speculate.
Acknowledge How You Feel Is OK.
Sometimes fighting against your feelings and thinking you shouldn’t feel this way can make things worse. It is normal right now to feel overwhelmed and vulnerable – and that is OK.
Get Out In The Sunlight.
Making sure you get out into the sunlight is especially important at this time of year. SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder, is a known mental health issue which can affect lots of people during the winter. Also, sunlight helps your body produce much-needed vitamin D.
Do you have a top tip to help people who are struggling with their mental health at the moment to share?
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Oh wow, the new wetroom must be great. That’s good that they were so thorough when the bathroom was needed although also time-consuming it is important for all to stay safe.
It was hard going but I am so glad it is done, I forgot what it was like to just enjoy getting washed and finding it relaxing.
Many of our friends work in trades that saw them work through the pandemic – although Steve wasn’t a tradesman he was a plumber, painter etc at the school so had to work throughout – and all of them have suffered with their mental health since. The whole situation has had a big impact on them
It is awful isn’t it? I can’t imagine how it must be for people who were going out everyday and putting themselves at risk and having to go home to family.
Mental health has been an important topic of discussion this year. Thanks for sharing your experience with how the new rules have affected tradespeople.
Definitely, I hope it carries on being talked about people keep knowing how big an impact it does have on people.
This can be so tough on so many of us. It has been a struggle for me as well. I have just been hoping for things to get better soon.
Definitely hopefully with the vaccines coming out now, it will start to get easier for everyone.
I am so grateful that my husband and I are working full time at home and giving the chance to ensures that our family most especially our kids are safe and healthy.
This pandemic really makes us scared a lot but one of the things that I can hold on to is there is God that can protect us and will save us all the time.
That is very lucky – it must be hard for those who are going out all the time and having to face who knows what at work everyday during the pandemic.
This virus is really difficult on everyone. Each time I go to the store I thank everyone I see for putting themselves at risk so I can shop. And the healthcare workers! They are working super hard!
I’ve been doing the same as well, all the people who have looked after us and kept us going and safe are incredible.
The pandemic has wreaked havoc on peoples’ mental health. Your study is really informative. There is such a huge correlation between work issues and mental health.
Definitely, I think when we don’t feel stable in our work lives it can really play on your mind.
Covid has affected all of us this year, more so the mental health of tradespeople. hoping for a better 2021.
Definitely here’s to a good 2021 for everyone.
I think it is brilliant that someone took the time to do a survey for mental health amongst these workers. What needs to happen next is that the respective organisations do what they can to give all the support that they need.
Definitely, hopefully, mental health will be something that people keep looking into more.
Good to know that you were practicing sanitary procedures. We really need to be cautious and of course protect out mental health.
Yes it was all done very well thought I was glad when it was over.
Thank you for reading more and more blog posts (unfortunately not Italian -.-) on the noise caused by this terrible virus. In Italy the mental problem is completely ignored and instead it is fundamental!
Oh no that is such a shame, it amazes me how in this day and age such things are still ignored.
News affects are mood most of the time. That’s why you’re right. It’s great to limit it.
It really does I think knowing when to step away from it is a must for people.
Sunlight really matters when it comes to our mental and physical health.
It does, we need to make sure we try and get some everyday.
I can see how it would be so stressful to be a tradesperson at this time! My sister is a photographer and has people over to her studio (in her home) and she’s exhausted trying to keep everything sanitized. These are good tips to help manage stress caused by COVID.
It must be so hard with all the extra restrictions everything taking so much longer as well as you have to clean and get ready between each person.
Those numbers are scary. It’s so important to know when to get help from a professional.
Definitely, I think it can be all to easy to say to yourself everything will be ok.
Thank you for bringing this issue to light. So important to be aware and talk about it.
Definitely, I hope it helps someone come forward who needs to.
My husband is an essential worker. He works half from home and half inspecting stores and restaurants to enforce the rules.
Oh gosh, I bet that is such a stressful job to be in right now.
I’ve been home since March. I’ve always worked from home so I’m lucky that I haven’t had to leave for any reason.
I feel grateful for working from home for sure. It makes a big difference doesn’t it.
Mental health is tough right now for workers for sure. I know my kids and husband work in retail and it’s been tough for them.
Definitely, I can imagine a lot of people will be burnt out with having to keep on going through everything.
Top Tip :- That’s not easy. Though as we are Social in nature :- Keep in contact with loved ones. People who make you feel happy can help you to have fun / laugh, enjoy activities, etc.
Definitely, I think we all need people to spend time with and talk to.
This is a really useful article. So many people forget the impact this pandemic is having on people who are not able to work from home.
Definitely, I think it has hit people who have never struggled before in many ways.
I am blessed to work from home but my husband and one of our kids work outside the home. I pray daily for them and others who work outside the home. Stay Safe
I hope they stay safe for you – it must be really hard.
Oh gosh, mental health has been tough during the pandemic, that’s for sure. I imagine it can be difficult to tradespeople. My husband is in the military and was essential, so he didn’t get much free time. I know he struggled at times.
It must be so hard for everyone who has had to work through the pandemic outside of the home in whatever capacity it maybe.
These are really scary numbers! I work in a school and have been in all the time. This second wave though has been much harder and I’m really struggling with my anxiety.
Think I needed to read this, today in particular x
Thank you for all you have done, I hope things settle for all soon.
My husband has to go to work, while I get to stay home. He seems fine, but I worry. I focus on getting lots of exercise to help with my mood.
I am sorry you are struggling, I am glad you have found something which helps with your mood.