Mental Health in the Trades: Breaking the Silence During Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and it’s time we talk about something that often gets overlooked in the trades—mental health. Working in high-pressure environments like construction, manufacturing, and other physically demanding jobs takes a toll, both physically and mentally. Long hours, stress, and the constant grind wear on everyone, but conversations around mental health in the trades are still far too rare.

The Stigma: Breaking Through Toughness

There’s a longstanding stigma when it comes to mental health in the trades, and it affects everyone. For men, there’s the expectation to “tough it out” and never show vulnerability, while women often feel pressure to prove themselves in a male-dominated field. The truth is, mental health struggles don’t care about gender. Anxiety, depression, stress affect all workers – regardless of gender – and the pressure to stay silent makes it worse.

It’s time to break the stigma. Feeling overwhelmed or mentally drained is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign that your mind needs care, just like your body does. No one should feel ashamed for seeking help, especially in an industry as demanding as this.

Speaking Up: Real Strength Is Asking for Help

Here’s the bottom line: It’s okay to ask for help. Just like you wouldn’t ignore a physical injury, you shouldn’t push aside your mental health. Whether it’s talking to a co-worker, a friend, or a professional, reaching out for support is crucial. Everyone deserves a safe space to talk about what they’re going through, and protecting your mental health is just as important as physical safety on the job.

Employers: Safety Goes Beyond Gear

Mental health in the workplace isn’t just an individual responsibility—employers play a huge role too. Safety isn’t only about hard hats and steel-toe boots; it’s about ensuring your employees are mentally fit to do the job. Offering resources like mental health first aid training, confidential counseling, and fostering a work culture where people feel supported can make all the difference. Employees—men and women alike—need to know that their well-being matters.

Changing the Conversation: Together, We Can Make a Difference

This Suicide Prevention Month, let’s shift the focus to mental health for everyone in the trades. Whether you’re on the front lines or managing a crew, it’s time to normalize talking about mental health just as much as physical safety. By breaking the silence, we can protect lives and create a healthier, more supportive work environment for everyone.

Remember, real strength is knowing when to ask for help—regardless of gender. Let’s look out for each other because safety starts from the inside out.

Here are some key mental health supports available in Canada:

1. Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP)

• Provides education, resources, and support to reduce the stigma around suicide and promote suicide prevention efforts across Canada. CASP offers guidance for individuals, families, and communities on how to navigate mental health challenges and access support.
• Phone: 988
• Text: Text “988”
• Website: suicideprevention.ca.

2. Wellness Together Canada

• A free mental health and substance use support platform providing 24/7 access to counselors via text, phone, or online chat. It offers resources on managing stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges.
• Website: wellnesstogether.ca

3. Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)

• Provides resources, counseling, and community-based services to support mental health across Canada.
• Website: cmha.ca

4. Crisis Services Canada

• National suicide prevention and support service, offering a crisis helpline and text service.
• Phone: 1-833-456-4566
• Text: Text “45645”
• Website: crisisservicescanada.ca

5. Hope for Wellness Helpline

• A helpline for Indigenous peoples providing immediate mental health support and crisis intervention. Offers services in English, French, and Indigenous languages.
• Phone: 1-855-242-3310
• Website: hopeforwellness.ca

6. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

• Many employers offer EAPs that provide free mental health services, including counseling, referrals, and online tools for workers and their families. Check with your employer for details.

7. Mental Health Crisis Lines by Province

• Each province offers specific mental health crisis lines where individuals can access local services and supports:
  • Alberta Mental Health Helpline: 1-877-303-2642
  • BC Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789 (no area code)
  • Ontario: Distress and Crisis Ontario – dcontario.org

These resources provide a range of support, whether you’re looking for counseling, crisis intervention, or information on managing mental health.