Predominantly made with New Zealand leather Predominantly made with New Zealand leather

Beyond Blue

Stepping forward for mental health

We all know someone who’s been affected by mental health.

According to research from Beyond Blue, half of all adults in Australia have experienced recent anxiety and depression symptoms.

And two in five Australian adults have been diagnosed with a mental health condition.

On average, 9 people take their own life every day - seven are men.

Steel Blue has been partnering with Beyond Blue since 2014 to improve mental health for tradies and people right across Australia. Beyond Blue is an independent, not-for-profit organisation working to reduce the impact of anxiety and depression in Australia.

Together, we’re helping to break down stigma and encourage people to reach out for support earlier in a sector where silence and ‘pushing through’ have too often been the norm. 

Let’s keep talking. Let’s keep listening. And let’s keep walking, in blue boots, toward a future where every tradie feels safe, supported, and empowered to speak up. 

Beat the Blues Campaign

Every August, $10 from every pair of Steel Blue boots sold is donated to Beyond Blue.

Through the sale of more than 43,000 pairs of boots, we’ve donated over $500,000 to Beyond Blue’s 24/7 Support Service – helping more than 9,500 Australians access immediate, life-changing support when they needed it most.

Boot packaging includes a brochure with mental health resources and tips on how to support yourself, a workmate or a friend.

Beyond Blue charity range

Raised for Beyond Blue

$501,390

$10 from every pair of Blue men's and women's boots sold is donated directly to Beyond Blue.

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The pressures tradies face

We’ve worked closely with the construction industry for years and know the pressures tradies face – and how they can affect mental wellbeing.

Common pressures include:

Long hours, physical demands, job insecurity and high expectations

Quoting, invoicing and running a business after hours

Financial stress from inconsistent work or delayed payments

Relationship strain and social isolation

Breaking the Silence: tackling mental health stigma

Stigma around mental health is still strong in male-dominated industries like construction.

Many men feel embarrassed or ashamed to speak up, even to close mates or family. But bottling things up can make things worse over time.

In workplaces where toughness and self-reliance are valued, it can be hard to admit when you’re not feeling okay.

Talking about mental health helps break down stigma.

When leaders on site speak openly about their own experiences, it sends a powerful message:
You don’t have to be bulletproof.

Being honest doesn’t make you weak, it makes you human. And it helps build a safer, more connected workplace.

Recognising the signs and reaching out

Stress is part of life, especially in high-pressure jobs like construction. But when it starts to feel constant or overwhelming, it can tip into something more serious.

Signs to look out for:

Self-critical thoughts (e.g. “I’m not good enough”)

Losing interest in things they used to enjoy

Difficulty concentrating

Feeling flat or unlike themselves

Withdrawing from others

Changes in sleep or appetite

A racing mind or irritability

These feelings often creep in slowly, so it’s important to notice when someone’s been feeling off for more than a couple of weeks. 

Having a conversation with someone you’re worried about

If you’re worried about someone, you don’t need to have all the answers. Just being there can make a big difference.

Try the Ask, Listen, Support approach:

Ask if they’re okay—find a quiet moment and check in.

Listen without judgement—just being there matters.

Support them to take the next step—whether it’s talking to a GP, using an EAP, or contacting Beyond Blue.

The importance of reaching out early

It’s never too early to talk to someone. Reaching out can ease distress and prevent things from escalating.

Starting a conversation or asking for support can feel tough – but it’s often the first step toward feeling better.

No issue is too small to talk about. Beyond Blue is here for anyone who needs support.

Support Services

Beyond Blue Support Service: If you or someone you know needs mental health support, reach out to Beyond Blue’s free 24/7 service on 1300 22 4636 or chat to a Beyond Blue counsellor online www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support

Lifeline Australia: 24-hour crisis support. Call 13 11 14

Beyond Blue’s NewAccess for Small Business Owners is a free, confidential mental health coaching program for small business owners and sole traders. No GP referral is needed. Call 1300 945 301, 8:30am – 8pm AEST (Fridays until 5pm).