In the trades, strength, reliability and hard work are valued traits. But mental health is just as important as physical health. Work demands, family responsibilities, financial pressures and everyday stress can all affect mental well-being.

Schizophrenia affects more than 3 million adults in the United States, yet many people don’t know what schizophrenia or psychosis looks like — or what to do when they notice changes in someone they care about.

Upon entering my office at work, you’ll see a placard with the following succinct statements: Be impeccable with your word. Don’t take anything personally. Don’t make assumptions. Always do your best.

People working in the plumbing and water industries solve problems every day, often under pressure. They are called when something fails, when a customer needs answers or when a job has to be completed safely. 

After surviving heroin addiction and an abusive relationship, Alayna Chavez was looking for a way to start over. Then, she saw a flyer for trade school.

After overcoming a turbulent past marked by abuse, addiction, and poverty, tradeswoman Mary-Anne Bowcott is using her successful plumbing career to give back to global communities in need through The Impact Project.

Discover how trades professionals can combat the unique pressures of isolation and burnout by building intentional support networks that act as "preventive maintenance" for their mental well-being.

Explore how chiropractic care mirrors the precision of the skilled trades to help workers restore their "human machine," reduce chronic pain, and protect their most valuable tool—their bodies.

Meet Valerie A. Stakes, RUGGED’s new columnist, as she shares her powerful journey of using endurance training and meditation to build the mental and physical resilience needed to navigate a life-changing cancer diagnosis.