Today Hamish and Matt are joined by good friend and psychologist, Julie Mounter to explore the pervasive issue of anxiety within the building and construction industry. Statistics show that 42.9% of people aged 16 to 85 have experienced a mental disorder at some point in their lives, with anxiety being the most common among these conditions. It’s an important topic that is particularly prevalent in the building industry, and yet it’s not a topic that builders tend to open up about.

What is Anxiety?

Julie explains that anxiety can start as normal worry but becomes a disorder when it becomes excessive and uncontrollable. She uses the metaphor of a "whack-a-mole" game to describe how anxiety operates. The worry persists and shifts from one concern to another without abating, even when the immediate threat or problem is resolved. This kind of anxiety can significantly impact various aspects of life, including health, work, and interpersonal relationships.

Many people are unaware they are experiencing anxiety because of what Julie terms "positive beliefs surrounding anxiety", such as thinking worry keeps one focused or signifies care. These beliefs can mask the excessive nature of their anxiety, making it harder to identify.

For those in the construction industry, this can be particularly problematic. The high-stress environment, coupled with the responsibility of running projects smoothly, can easily trigger or exacerbate anxiety.

Julie adds that symptoms like chronic worry, sleep disturbances, procrastination, and avoidance behaviours are common in those experiencing anxiety. Avoiding tasks due to the fear of making mistakes or not meeting expectations can be particularly treacherous in the high-stakes world of construction.

Men and Mental Health in Construction

Matthew notes that the construction industry is predominantly male, and men typically struggle with opening up about their mental health. This cultural barrier often prevents effective discourse and intervention. Julie emphasises the importance of recognising symptoms and initiating conversations about mental health without judgment.

Physical and Psychological Symptoms of Anxiety

According to Julie, physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest often accompany anxiety. More than just an emotional state, anxiety is a physiological experience. Hamish shares that practising controlled breathing has helped him manage his anxiety, underlining the importance of simple, effective techniques.

When Immediate Help is Needed

One critical point Julie makes is the necessity of seeking immediate help if someone appears to be at risk of self-harm or suicide. Much like responding to someone with chest pain at a barbecue, it is essential not to hesitate in seeking professional help when someone's mental health appears to be in crisis.

By encouraging open dialogue, recognising symptoms, and suggesting methods for management, the podcast aims to destigmatise mental health issues in the industry. Understanding and addressing anxiety is not just about recognising the symptoms but also about fostering an environment where discussing mental health is normalised and accepted. This conversation is an essential step towards creating safer, healthier workplaces in the building and construction sector.

LINKS:

Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with our Guest: 

Website: https://www.allmindspsychology.com.au/

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram:  @sanctumhomes

Website:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt: 

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/