Why So Many Blue-Collar Men Stay Silent about Mental Health - Ilija Martinovich's Story Part 1

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie sits down with Ilija Martinovich to launch a year-long mental health series focused on the trades. Ilija shares his personal journey through the past six years, including working through COVID as an essential worker, being diagnosed with bladder cancer, going through a divorce, and raising his children during a very stressful time. He speaks openly about the dark thoughts he faced, the pressure of staying strong as a father, and the stigma around mental health in blue-collar work. Ilija explains how speaking with a therapist, leaning on trusted people, walking daily, and building simple routines helped him regain control. Together, they highlight the power of honest conversations, healthy outlets, and finding purpose as key steps toward managing stress and protecting mental health.

This episode continues the focus on mental health in the trades and the challenges many workers keep to themselves. Ilija joins Gary to share his experience over the past six years, including working through COVID as an essential worker, being diagnosed with bladder cancer, going through a divorce, and supporting his children during a difficult time. He speaks honestly about the dark places his mind went to and the pressure of trying to stay strong as a father. Ilija talks about how therapy, opening up to trusted people, improving his eating habits, and committing to daily walks helped him manage stress. The conversation reinforces the value of speaking up, building healthy outlets, and reminding tradespeople that support is available and they do not have to struggle alone.

Expect to Learn:

• How working through COVID as an essential worker added stress at home and on the job.

• How a bladder cancer diagnosis and divorce affected Ilija's mental health.

• Why do many men in the trades stay silent, and the risks of keeping it inside?

• How therapy, trusted conversations, and crisis resources can provide real relief.

• How daily walks, better habits, and focusing on family help manage stress long-term.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Intro to Ilija Martinovich in Part 1

[01:30] - Why Mental Health Matters

[02:42] - Stigma of Mental Health in Trades

[04:24] - Old-School Coping: Alcohol & Drugs

[08:09] - Ilija's Story: Cancer, COVID & Divorce

[12:17] - Importance of Talking to Someone

[16:15] - Gary's Experience with Panic Attacks

[18:37] - Turning to Food as a Coping Mechanism

[21:04] - Finding Purpose to Protect Your Mental Health

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/

Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/

SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm
Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at SupplyHouse!

Follow the Guest Ilija Martinovich on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_hvac_foodie/ 

Follow the Host:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/

Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/