New figures have laid bare just how tough the December–January shutdown period can be for Aussie tradies, with a sharp spike in calls to mental health support services over the holidays.
Calls to Incolink’s free and confidential national counselling line jumped 68 per cent year-on-year in December, with 441 tradies reaching out for help.
January is tracking the same way, with 176 calls made by January 21 and numbers expected to hit 315 by month’s end. That would mean a 39 per cent increase across the combined December–January period.
The surge follows a targeted campaign encouraging construction workers to use the 24/7 counselling service during a time when worksites shut down, routines disappear and pressures often ramp up.
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Construction workers are 84 per cent more likely to take their own lives than workers in other industries, and the holiday period is widely recognised as one of the riskiest times of year.
Incolink’s counselling line connects tradies with professional support for anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts, as well as help with addiction, relationship issues, grief and financial stress. Melbourne tradie Kevin Elms knows firsthand how hard it can be to pick up the phone — and how powerful that step can be.
“When my Dad passed away, I couldn’t be there to say goodbye. He was everything to me, and I just had this feeling eating away inside of me. It was affecting everything, especially my family life”, Mr Elms said.
“At first I thought, ‘How can talking to a stranger help?’ But the counsellor was so good, and after the call it was like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. People could see the change in me.
“It’s great to see more tradies are picking up the phone and asking for help, especially over Christmas and the New Year. That’s when things can get really tough.”
The rise in calls comes as Incolink’s Bluehats mental health program receives full accreditation from Suicide Prevention Australia.
The program has delivered on-site mental health sessions to almost 100,000 Victorian workers and trained 670 Bluehat volunteers as designated support people, with expansion underway interstate.
“There are more suicides in the construction industry than any other industry, and Christmas is the toughest time of year”, Incolink Corporate Affairs EGM Matt Toner said.
“Incolink is committed to providing mental health support wherever and whenever construction workers need it, whether it’s a phone call with one of our professional counsellors, or a worksite coffee and chat with a Bluehat volunteer.”
Construction workers can call the Incolink counselling line on 1300 000 129. If in crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000 for immediate assistance.