This week’s #TradesTalk Twitter chat was a mental health takeover hosted by installer Gary Bedford.
Mental health is an incredibly important topic for the TradesTalk community, and one which has been covered several times before. This time, Gary Bedford took the helm. It was one of the best hours we’ve seen on Twitter, with tradespeople from around the UK coming together online to support each other.
Search #TradesTalk on Twitter to have a look for yourself, and check-out our round-up of the best bits below…
Question one
A1 pressures to meet deadlines/get stuff working for a client and the job can be very lonely at times which can leave dwelling on stuff in the van #TradesTalk
— Lloyd Stafford (@lloydlwlheating) July 30, 2019
A little away from the question but I think it’s the stigma against mental health still especially on site.
— Joshua Stainsby (@JoshuaStainsby) July 30, 2019
Yes its difficult to actually run a buisness and work in it too many hours and robbing peter to pay paul whilst trying to be all rosy in front of the family but there is help out there so dont EVER BE AFRAID TO ASK
— Andy Cam (@CosyWarmPlumber) July 30, 2019
https://twitter.com/warmyourhome/status/1156280249950363649?s=20
Yes its difficult to actually run a buisness and work in it too many hours and robbing peter to pay paul whilst trying to be all rosy in front of the family but there is help out there so dont EVER BE AFRAID TO ASK
— Andy Cam (@CosyWarmPlumber) July 30, 2019
A1 Being in the Trades is a really unique job. You have to wear so many hats and if self employed, the buck stops with you. You are doing the job 24 / 7. In many ways its like being a Mother, you are always on duty and cannot find the "Off Switch"
— She's Electric (@Shes_ElectricUK) July 30, 2019
Question two
I do #tradestalk indeed! I've been thinking lately of blocking time out away from phone / internet because I almost need to fight for down time. Some elements aren't all bad, I don't mind steady paperwork watching telly, shitty customers at 21:00 is another thing all together!
— Green Albion Ltd (@GreenAlbionLtd) July 30, 2019
A2 I know people who can but I just can't manage to do it. Saying that though my phone goes off at 22:30
Even on 'holiday' work is still in the back of my mind.
Bits to order, deliverys to organise, ect.— HB Chippy (@hb_chippy) July 30, 2019
It's always a struggle, especially for sole traders. Tip? Acceptance. Learn to accept that you will NEVER please everyone, and you don't have to answer every call. Once you have that "acceptance" switch flick in your head, your life changes. #TradesTalk
— Plumbingwerx (@PlumbingwerxUK) July 30, 2019
I don’t ever I switch off really, phone was ringing on holiday, answered said I’m away, it’s a job that is required 24/7 – 365 I think the day I switch off I will retire #TradesTalk
— Damon Blakemore (@Damon_BPH) July 30, 2019
Question three
A3. It’s always been there. More people live today than 50 years ago. Different stresses then to now so difficult to compare. #TradeTalk
— Dyfed Roberts (@DyfedRoberts) July 30, 2019
A3 yes the digital age is making things worse for mentel health. I think people where embarrassed of talking about it in previous years due to being labelled CRAZY, or that thing where you are told to “MAN UP” #TradesTalk
— S.N.L Home Repairs (@snlhomerepairs) July 30, 2019
A3 I think digital age has done us a disservice in this regard. The enhancements in technology have been designed to make us more efficient however it also means it is easier than ever to work non-stop while also trying to maintain rapid response times. #TradesTalk
— Oilcanfinish Landscaping and Property Maintenance (@oilcanfinish) July 30, 2019
Question four
You could know someone like the back of your hand but still not spot the signs of mental health if they are to proud to talk about it or doesn’t show any signs, remember it’s ok to not be ok, don’t be a stranger, talk to family friends or if it’s easier someone you don’t know.
— Keith Harrison (@HarrisonHeating) July 30, 2019
You never know with some people. Some just like to keep it private #TradesTalk
— Richard Colby Richard Colby Plumbing & Heating Ltd (@r_colby_85) July 30, 2019
Alot of things I've encountered in the workplace in relation to metal health I've learned how to deal with because I've gone through it with relatives and loved ones. Doesn't hurt to ask if someone is ok and if they seem a bit out of sorts and say there ok try to ask a bit more.
— Spud Hewish (@spudthesparky) July 30, 2019
A4. It's fairer to assume that everyone's got something going on in their life. Just try and be more kind in general, relax a little and step back from aggravating situations. Everything has its beauty, just be ready to see it. #TradesTalk
— Elizabeth (@Liz_365concrete) July 30, 2019
Question five
A5 feel people are worried about being judged but a lot more people are speaking out and getting help and there’s a new generation coming through knowing that it’s ok not to be ok #TradesTalk
— Lloyd Stafford (@lloydlwlheating) July 30, 2019
Because we are taught that being a pillar, being made of steel, is true strength, so why would we show how weak we are when everyone else seems to be getting by so well? No one wants to be vulnerable, weak or scared, which is what facing one's mental health can make one feel
— White Bear Plumbing (@BearPlumbing) July 30, 2019
A5: External broken bits of the body are easy for people to see and deal with, the internals less so but they have an understanding and can see the healing process in action #mentalhealth isn’t so obvious #TradesTalk
— ChiElectricians (@Chichester_Elec) July 30, 2019
Up until recently it’s been seen as a weakness especially in men. As they now say, it’s ok to not be ok. No matter how big or macho you are, we all have problems and you should never let that get in the way of letting someone know you’re suffering.
— Martin gibson (@mArTiNcG2614) July 30, 2019
Question six
I was quite proud of writing this at the time and think its relatable for some https://t.co/aQGSNt1Gbh
Of course it's not for everyone as we all have our unique stories #TradesTalk— Green Albion Ltd (@GreenAlbionLtd) July 30, 2019
Get rid of bad baggage if its sucking the life out of you and dont bury your head in the sand . Never look down on someone unkess your helping them up
— LeeB (@LeePeakHeating) July 30, 2019
https://twitter.com/property_ready/status/1156293074039070720?s=20
