News | August 2023

Tradies turn to their mates for mental health support

Encouraging signs show that 3 in 5 Tradies agreed they were more comfortable asking for help from friends and family than they were 12 months earlier.

The annual Steel Blue ‘Boot the Blues’ for Beyond Blue fundraising campaign has shared positive signs of improving mental health awareness among blue collar workers at an online event today attended by employers and workers within the resources, construction, agriculture and trades industries.

When asked if they had accessed any supports and services to support their mental health, 40% of respondents to the Steel Blue Boot the Blues survey said they had spoken to a friend or family member and almost 30% had turned to their GP. In total, almost 7 out of 10 had reached out to some form of support service suggesting that men in blue collar industries are better understanding the importance of talking to others when experiencing poor mental health.

Boot the Blues 2023 - GRANT WIDE LANDSCAPE

Speaking at the event, Dr Grant Blashki, Lead Clinical Adviser, Beyond Blue advised, “Friends and family are very often the first port of call for Australians experiencing mental health challenges and it’s encouraging to see how tradies are becoming more comfortable speaking to someone and asking for help.

The importance of initiatives like Steel Blue’s collaboration with Beyond Blue is a real game changer. It opens up the conversation and reminds tradies who are experiencing mental health problems that they’re not alone and it’s worth accessing the excellent support out there which can literally change people’s lives and help them get back on track.”

Steel Blue co-founder, Ross Fitzgerald commented, “For almost 10 years we have supported Beyond Blue and worked to encourage people on Australian worksites to seek support. The knock-on effects of poor mental health among tradies can’t be understated in both economic, health and social terms. Physical health is often impacted during times of stress which can lead to extended periods of time off work and loss of income. It’s really encouraging to see from our survey results that tradies are turning to their mates in times of need.”

Survey respondents agreed that compared to 12 months ago:

They know how to protect their mental health in times of stress (63%)
They have a hobby that helps them relax (72%)
They would reach out for help if experiencing distress (55%)
They would feel comfortable talking to friends and family (60%)
They would feel comfortable seeking professional help (60%)

In further encouraging signs, 84% disagreed with the statement that depression is sign of weakness.

Dr Blashki said, “The tough guy image of the blue collar worker was often a barrier to some seeking help for their mental health so it’s very positive to see how many of the survey respondents dismissed the idea of depression being a sign of weakness. As a GP, I have seen a marked increase in the number of tradies walking through my door asking for help and I always make a point of taking seriously their mental health when the primary diagnosis is a physical injury.”

Steel Blue has raised more than $400,000 for Beyond Blue, donating $10 from every sale of its iconic blue safety boots. To date these funds have helped over 6150 Australians access free support.

Dr Blashki said, “The tough guy image of the blue collar worker was often a barrier to some seeking help for their mental health so it’s very positive to see how many of the survey respondents dismissed the idea of depression being a sign of weakness."

Direct quotes from survey respondents:

“Awareness helps – making sure the support services are talked about and that people are comfortable talking about it. The more familiar it is the easier it is to reach out to.”
Lighting technician. 18-24, QLD
“Best thing I did was to start regular sessions with a psychologist, it saved my life!”
Retired mechanic, 45-54, VIC
“I reached out for help when I started to feel my mental health slipping. It was the best thing I could have done. It helped me gain tools to help stabilize my mental health.”
Agriculture, 35-44, VIC
“I think that the services available are much more helpful, as long as we believe we can talk and someone has the time to listen.”
Transport worker, 55-64, WA
“It was hard for me to admit I needed help. I have always been a strong person so no one cared enough to ask me, are you ok. Life now is looking bright. It took years to get life back to normal and to have a future.”
Warehouse worker, 55-64, VIC
“My employer gave me time off to see my GP and a mental health practitioner to aid in my health and well-being. I also receive ongoing support via my work. I was first given a choice to contact Beyond Blue or talk to my GP to seek help. I’m not always at my best but it’s good to know others are looking out for my wellbeing.”
Warehouse worker, 45-54, QLD
“We can all stumble and fall from time to time. The important thing is to reach out and help each other to be our “best us” again.”
Engineer, 55-64, QLD.

Steel Blue Boot the Blues Survey Key Findings

Speaking with others was the most common way survey respondents supported their own mental health and wellbeing:

48% have spoken to a friend or family member about their mental health and wellbeing
51% have spoken with their GP about their mental health and wellbeing
59% have had an appointment with a psychologist
19% have spoken to a work colleague or manager about their mental health and wellbeing

What impact has poor mental health had on other aspects of your life?

30% have lost income
47% loss of or negatively impacted relationships
54% decreased physical health

Physical and mental health can support each other.

Half of the survey respondents said that poor mental health had an impact on their physical health
One in four survey respondents reported having taken extended periods of time off work as a result of a physical injury at work
Over half of these respondents said that the injury impacted their mental health.

The Beyond Blue Support Service can be reached on 1300 224 636 or via email and webchat at www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support

Tools to help you

Mental health check in
Simple tools to help you assess your mental health. You can choose the one that’s right for you and get the resources and support you may need.
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/check-your-mental-health
Not Alone Podcast - Beyond Blue
To hear personal, inspirational stories of mental health.
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/not-alone
Services Guide for Financial and Mental Wellbeing
A guide to helping people with financial and mental wellbeing challenges get back on track.
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/financial-wellbeing
5 ways to well being website
This website gives you practical tools and resources so you can discover how to make the 5 Ways part of your ways to wellbeing. Everyone can ‘try the 5’ at home, work or during study. It costs nothing and it’s easier than you think! Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Be Aware and Help Others.
https://www.5waystowellbeing.org.au/
Thrive Inside – Smiling Mind
Free mindfulness app.
https://www.smilingmind.com.au/thrive-inside
Be Well Go Tracker
A secure online mental health measurement tool that provides individuals and organisations with scientific insights over time.
https://www.bewellco.io/be-well-tracker
HeadGear – Black Dog Institute
A free, easy-to-use smartphone app that guides you through a 30–day mental fitness challenge designed to build resilience and wellbeing and prevent things like depression and anxiety.
https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/digital-tools-apps/headgear/