The mining industry offers one of the more challenging working environments in Australia. Such is the nature of the working conditions that the mining industry experiences one of the highest rates of mental health conditions among employees in the country.
We talk to the psychology team at employee assistance program provider BSS about the issue, the changing narrative around the mental health conversations and ways that employees can reach out if they require assistance.
Schlam: According to Beyond Blue, one in five FIFO workers experience conditions such as depression and anxiety. As workers could be unwilling to admit having problems, could these rates potentially be higher?
BSS: The rates could potentially be higher as there may be a percentage of workers who do not speak up about their problems with mental health. The reasons for this could include such factors as the stigma surrounding mental illness or the fear of speaking up as many may be under the impression their employment will be at risk.
Schlam: How can businesses in the mining industry equip employees with the tools to help them through difficult times?
BSS: Providing education programs about self-care and looking after their general health, providing internal supportive environments, encouraging workers to reach out to EAP services and other external resources.
Schlam: How can businesses in the mining industry – which are predominately male – break down the mental health stigma?
BSS: One compelling way to break down the stigma is by leaders in the mining sector sharing their own stories and details about how they’ve accessed mental health services. If a supervisor or manager tells their people that they sought help from a counsellor, then they are sending a strong message that it is ok to have problems and to ask for help. Other actions could include:
All these changes can be achieved by implementing psychoeducational programs on site. In fact, some companies are already implementing some of these programs, and that partially explains why more men are seeking help compared to years ago.
Schlam: What happens when someone calls an EAP looking for assistance?
BSS: An EAP service works similar to making an appointment with any health professional. The person contacts the EAP, requests a counselling session with a psychologist or counsellor and attends a confidential meeting.
In the case of needing to speak with someone urgently, the EAP service is available out of office hours where the person can speak with the psychologist on duty. The individuals personal details will be taken when they contact the EAP; however, this is private and confidential information that is not shared with their employer.
Schlam: Do people worry that their conversation with the EAP will get back to their employer?
BSS: Yes, all the time. The psychologist will explain to the individual details about privacy and confidentiality. EAPs have a responsibility to adhere to the Australian Government Privacy Legislation (2014). Individuals who attend an EAP sign a consent form and can also obtain a brochure explaining their privacy from our reception area
Schlam: Do you think there has been a changing in the mental health conversation in particular on mine sites with people being more willing to chat about their problems?
BSS: Yes, absolutely. People are becoming more open to discussing their problems with friends, family and colleagues as well as managing their mental health.
If you or someone close to you needs assistance, support services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week from Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 659 467), or from BSS (1800 30 30 90).
