In a workforce that is predominantly male, the “tough guy” image is widespread. Asking for help and opening up about emotions are just not things that come naturally to many of us. The combination of these factors results in many suffering in silence.
Alarmingly, 1 in 5 of us feel that our job would be at risk if we did talk about our struggles.
In a time where suicide kills more people in the construction industry than falls from height, it is only right that mental health is taken as seriously as other site hazards.
The Construction Industry Helpline provide a 24/7 support system which includes emergency financial aid, support on legal tax and debt matters, and advice on health and mental wellbeing.
Mates in Mind is a mental health awareness programme which works in partnership with charities and organisations such as Mind and Samaritans to help to make sense of support options already available.
The importance of making sure we look after our own mental health is grossly underestimated, there are simple things we can all do to help ourselves…
- Keep active
- Eat well
- Drink sensibly
- Keep in touch
- Talk about your feelings
- Do something you’re good at
- Accept who you are
- Care for others
But the easiest thing that we can all do is talk
Look out for each other – if you are concerned about a colleague, simply asking them if they are OK can make a difference.
