Did you know that one in four workers in the construction field have had high symptoms of depression or anxiety?

Did you know that every year 190 Australians working in the construction industry take their own lives? That’s one every second day.

These statistics are scary but they’re also the reason we’re so passionate about discussing mental health in this industry. Today we’re joined by a psychologist and our good friend, Julie who shares insights and practical advice on recognising, understanding, and addressing mental health issues.

The Stigma around Mental Health

Julie has a particular interest in men's mental health, so we discuss the specific challenges they face in acknowledging and expressing their mental health struggles. Societal expectations, rooted in historical gender roles, have created a stigma that it is “weak” or “unmanly” to be emotionally expressive. Not only is this untrue, but it’s also unhealthy and leaves many men to suffer in silence.

Thankfully, there’s been a significant shift in mental health awareness over the past decade, especially among men. The stigma is being challenged and it’s becoming easier for people to discuss their struggles. While there is still a long way to go, it’s an incredibly inspiring trend, and one we hope to contribute to with this discussion.

Building a Support Network

During the conversation, Hamish talks about his mental health journey and shares the significance of his support network. Being able to discuss what he’s struggling with openly has been super helpful in overcoming challenges and reducing his anxiety. Especially helpful has been the strong relationship with his psychologist and a maintenance strategy to keep track of things. Hamish’s story is a powerful reminder that struggling isn’t a sign of weakness and that reaching out for help is a sign of immense strength.

Practical Steps

Once you’ve realised you want to get help, it can be a hurdle to figure out where to start. So, Julie shares practical advice on how to start seeking help. The first step is to visit your GP and obtain a mental health plan and/or referral. From there many pathways you can take to access support that suits you.  Julie’s key point is that mental health care is a continuous process, not a one-time fix.

Thank you for tuning in! We can all contribute to making the construction industry a healthier and more supportive environment for everyone, and we hope this episode has inspired you to start taking action. And for anyone out there feeling overwhelmed, remember you're not alone, and there are people ready and willing to support you through it.

LINKS:

Sanctum Homes:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Carland Constructions:  www.carlandconstructions.com/