Welcome to another episode of The Mindful Builder! Get ready for an episode filled with passion and perseverance because we’re joined by the incredible Brad McEwan who opens up about his struggles with mental health as a builder.

What he’s working on:

We start by discussing Brad’s latest project: a hempcrete house. Hempcrete is a building material made from the core of the hemp plant mixed with lime and water. It’s an incredible eco-friendly project but it came with its share of challenges. Especially stressful was an unexpected delay due to the slow curing process of the hempcrete, which extended the project timeline significantly. Brad shares everything that went wrong, his initial reactions, and how he overcame these issues to deliver a great result.  

Mental Health and the Builder's Journey:

Then the conversation turns to Brad losing his passion for building. Multiple challenges at work and struggles in his personal life compounded to completely overwhelm him. These are pressures we all face in this industry, but it’s something we can beat. Brad shares the steps he took to improve his mental health and rekindle his love for construction.

He also shares his experiences with anxiety over his life and how he has managed it. When he was younger Brad had the same tough-it-out mentality a lot of builders have, and the people around him suffered because of it. Thanks to a push from his now-wife Brad has built a healthier relationship with his mental health and is far better equipped to handle difficulties.

The Power of Mates:

If there's one thing that shines through Brad's story, it's the difference having a solid crew behind you can make. In an industry often characterized by solitude, Brad was able to build a strong support network that played a key role in getting past these challenges. His story is a great example of why we should seek help and support when needed.

So here’s to Brad, and to all the builders out there who keep pushing through, no matter what.

LINKS:

Sanctum Homes:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Carland Constructions:  www.carlandconstructions.com/