September 27, 2024
At the British Drilling Association (BDA), we recognise that mental health and wellbeing are critically important aspects of a healthy and productive workplace and is committed to highlighting the significance of prioritising mental health, particularly within industries like ours, where the pressures and demands can often be overwhelming.
Whether it’s the challenges posed by the seasons, workplace stress, or personal struggles, mental health affects us all in different ways. Encouraging open conversations and supporting colleagues who may be struggling is essential. Access to professional help and resources can make a substantial difference, and we stand by the importance of taking that brave first step toward seeking support.
Through this blog, we aim to shed light on how individuals within the drilling and construction sectors can better manage their mental health. We will also highlight invaluable resources such as the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, which offers support to workers and their families, ensuring they are not alone in facing these challenges.
World Mental Health Day is happening on Thursday, 10th October 2024. The official theme set annually by the World Federation for Mental Health is: “It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace“.
It takes bravery to reach out for mental health support. There is professional help waiting for us to make contact so that we can take that first step towards getting support no matter the causes of our mental health challenges. This first step might involve making a phone call, sending a chat message to a helpline or using an App to guide us to a place of safety, privacy and support from others who have also needed to talk. Whatever form that first step takes, it is the start of our journey to getting help toward manging our mental health.
Talking to Someone
When we feel overwhelmed or struggling to cope, it’s important that we talk to someone we trust. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or other mental health professional.
If we or someone we know are struggling to cope, we should not be afraid to ask for help and support. Many employers provide confidential mental health support services, which can provide support and free referrals to mental health specialists for depression, stress and extreme mental activity based mental health issues.
For those without an employer sponsored service, or who maybe don’t want a connection with their work and their mental health at what can be an isolating and challenging time, there are many charitable organisations that can help anyone struggling with their mental health taking those first vital steps towards getting support.
The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is a charity that provides emotional, physical and financial advice and wellbeing support to the construction community and their families. This charity is supported by MIND and the Samaritans and is funded by the CITB.
On Google Play and Apple Store there is a completely free Lighthouse Charity app [https://www.constructionindustryhelpline.com/app.html] available to download, to support with many issues relating to mental health. The Lighthouse Construction Industry app is also designed for daily use as a diary of how we are feeling and if when we or someone we know needs urgent support the app has a 24-hour emergency contacts’ button. Mental, physical, financial and mind builder sections and pathways to long term wellbeing is easily navigated within the app.
Taking Care of Our Mental Health During the Autumn and Winter
Taking care of our mental health during the autumn and winter seasons is important. There are several things we can all do to take care of ourselves and stay mentally healthy, such as self-care, getting enough sunlight, and talking to someone we trust, this maybe someone we know or one of the many services that can provide confidential support.
Some common signs that winter may be affecting our mental health such as: changes in sleep patterns (sleeping too much or too little), changes in appetite (eating more or less than usual), difficulty concentrating or making decisions, feeling low, depressed, or irritable loss of interest in activities we normally enjoy, feeling isolated or withdrawn from others.
Self-care is essential for our mental health, especially during the autumn and winter months. Tips that others have found useful in managing mental health. Making time for enjoyable activities such as reading, listening to music, or spending time with others; getting regular exercise, even if it is just for a short walk each day; eating a healthy diet and trying to get enough sleep; spending time in natural light, even a few minutes every day can make a difference; connecting with others, either in person or online. Being physically active as exercise has been proven to reduce anxiety and depression and can help prevent physical illnesses.
Author: BDA Health & Safety Sub-committee
NB. A donation to the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity was made at the time of writing this blog.
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