We’ve recently begun to understand that talking openly about mental distress and suicide doesn’t just reduce stigma, it actually reduces the risk of suicide. Research confirms that when we seek help for mental distress, we have a significantly greater chance of preventing it from escalating. Not talking about mental distress or suicidal thoughts, and not seeking help early, can escalate an occasional experience into a more persistent, long term problem, or worse.
So it’s a good idea to ask “How’re you going mate, RUOK?” But what if the answer is “Well, um, not too good”?
It is for these reasons, Rural and Remote Mental Health (RRMH) travelled over 15,000km over 6 weeks through every state and territory in Australia on the recent RUOK? ConvoConvoy. The epic journey was sponsored by underground mining contractor Brynecut Australia who contributed to a jointly branded 4WD vehicle and the fuel. By asking the question at 30 community events and having numerous conversations, we raised awareness about mental distress and suicide and we listened to the challenges faced by all Australians living and working out there. It meant that everyone we met along the way is more aware of the signs of mental illness and suicide in themselves, their families and friends. And they know there is help available.
We know that work plays a significant role in our psychological wellbeing, and whilst work can be good for you, we also know that some work can also have detrimental effects on our mental health and wellbeing.
The role of the workplace in either contributing to, or protecting an employee from mental distress and suicide, is significant for a number of reasons. There is, of course, the work health and safety legal obligations for companies to provide a safe and healthy workplace.
On-site mining culture is often considered a problem in reinforcing positive attitudes to mental health and help-seeking behaviour.
Male dominance significantly contributes to the culture on site and females can experience stress fitting in. A masculine culture consequently affects relationships due to bullying behaviour and workers needing to suppress their feelings all of which can contribute to poor mental health.
Unfortunately, many mining and resource workers do not seek help due to the stigma associated with mental health issues. And they fear they’ll jeopardise their employment if they speak up.
The good news is that mining and resource companies are increasingly coming to realise that they have responsibility for psychological safety as well as physical safety.
And it’s good for business as research shows that they could can reap a significant return on investment if they implement culturally-specific mental health and suicide prevention programs. Workplaces that do not invest in employee psychological safety and wellbeing inevitably face increasing rates of absenteeism, presenteeism, staff turnover and psychological injury claims.
We know from the results of research undertaken during the delivery of RRMH’s comprehensive mental health and suicide prevention programs tailored specifically for mining and resource workers that there are higher levels of psychological distress when compared with the wider Australian community. We also know that the strongest predictor of psychological distress is stress related to stigma associated with mental illness. Given that 40% of respondents rated stigma as a source of stress, the finding is alarming and highlights the importance of encouraging everyone to ask the question RUOK?
If the answer to the questions is “Well, um, not too good”, participation in RRMH’s program, Resource Minds, ensures everyone on site has relevant information about signs of mental distress, understands the implications of stigmatising mental health and they have more confidence and knowledge about how to get help for themselves, their family or a mate on site.
Here are some tips about how to look after yourself
A problem shared is a problem halved. When we do talk to somebody, the first thing we realise is that we’re not alone – we realise how we’re feeling is more common that we thought.
And there are other things you can do yourself to reduce mental stress.
Getting enough sleep is important.
- Don’t go straight from the wet mess to bed – alcohol is a stimulant not a relaxant.
- Don’t drink tea and coffee or other caffeinated drinks too close to bedtime
- Get some exercise after work – it helps get rid of the stress and make you feel pleasantly tired the end of the day
- Have a hot shower before you get into bed, and
- Read yourself to sleep rather than watch TV or use social media.
Maintain positive relationships with the people closest to you. If your relationships are not going well, talk it over or get some professional help.
Exercise – not everybody likes doing the same sort of exercise. Some people like playing team sports, some people like working out in the gym, some people like cycling, running, walking, swimming. It doesn’t matter what you do – just do something.
Look at your diet. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and unprocessed meats. But don’t overdo it. Generally the food in the mess is pretty good. It’s fresh, balanced well-prepared and there’s heaps of it. But that can be a trap. Eat only what you need, no more, no less.
Lay off the smokes, the booze, the Red Bull and soft drinks
And everyone knows you need to drink plenty of water.
Make the most of your time away from work. On weekends or when you’re on R&R, make sure you make some time for yourself. Rest and relaxation is not a luxury. It’s an absolute necessity.
If you’re worried about financial or legal issues, get some professional advice and support.
Don’t just sit there, letting the stress eat away at you.
And finally, make sure you know what support is available to you when you need it – at work, on-line, by phone and in your community.
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