Men's Mental Health in Plumbing and Heating: A silent crisis

The plumbing and heating industry in the UK is a male-dominated one, with over 90% of workers being men. This can make it difficult for men in the industry to talk about their mental health, as there is often a stigma attached to it.

Research has shown that men in the plumbing and heating industry are more likely to experience mental health problems than men in the general population. However, it is important to remember that mental health problems can affect anyone, regardless of their gender or profession.

Why heating season can be a challenge?

While routines do tend to change with the seasons, which is completely normal, sometimes the increase in workload throughout heating season, combined with the onset of colder and shorter days, can start to have an impact on mental health.

High rates of death by suicide in construction:

Unfortunately, men in construction as a whole are at a significantly higher risk of suicide than the national average with construction workers being four times more likely to die by suicide than the general male population.

There are several factors that contribute to this high rate:

Long hours and irregular work patterns: Working long hours and irregular shifts can make it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance and relationships.
Financial Insecurity: Every plumber and heating engineer is aware of the seasonal demands within our industry. This includes the summer lull in workload adding pressure on already stretched finances and the peak heating season with products costing more

Physically demanding work: The physically demands on workers can take their toll, especially when combined with long working hours. Finding time to look after your body and mind is often difficult
Workplace hazards: Workers in our industry are at risk of a number of workplace hazards, such as falls from a height, chemical exposure, and lifting accidents
Toxic masculinity: The traditional culture of masculinity in the industry often discourages men from talking about their feelings and seeking help for mental health problems

How can you help?

The high rate of suicide in the industry is a serious problem, but there are a number of things that can be done to address it:

Raising awareness of mental health issues: Employers and workers need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of mental health problems, and the resources that are available to help
Creating a supportive work environment: Employers can create a supportive work environment by encouraging open communication and providing access to mental health support services
Challenging stigma: Employers and workers need to challenge the stigma around mental health and encourage more men to talk about their struggles and seek help

Tips for looking after your mental health

Whilst we fully understand the heating season can be extremely busy, it is important to try and look after yourself. Here are some simple tips you can start with:

Build relationships with your colleagues and managers. This will give you a support network to fall back on if and when you need it
Set boundaries between your work life and your personal life. This will help you to reduce stress and avoid burnout
Take care of your physical health. Eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly will all help to improve your mental health
Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. There are a number of organisations that can provide support for men in the plumbing and heating industry

Help is out there!

If you are struggling with your mental health, please know that you are not alone. There are a number of resources available to help you:

Mates in Mind: Mates in Mind is a charity that provides support to workers who are struggling with their mental health.
The Lighthouse Club: The Lighthouse Club is a charity that provides financial and emotional support to workers and their families in times of need.
Samaritans: Samaritans is a charity that provides confidential emotional support to anyone who is struggling to cope.
MENTalk: A charity run specifically for men’s mental health. With a Facebook community group ready to help

How you can help as an employer

Things clearly need to change within the industry. If you are an employer, you can help building an environment and workplace culture that better supports workers and it could save lives.

Introduce open-door policies
Ask how people are, checking up on colleagues whose behaviour may seem different
Be great listeners
Provide resources
Keep things confidential
Have one-on-one catch-ups
Encourage a healthy work-life balance

Things do need to change to better promote Men's Mental Health within the industry. You can help in many seemingly simple but effective ways to be the change.

If you are struggling, please don’t forget, help is out there. You are not alone. You are needed and wanted and someone will miss you. Please do not give up on yourself.