Mates Looking Out For Mates : Tackling the Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness in the Construction Industry.

Slade McFarland talks about the “grim reaper report” on suicide rates in New Zealand

Slade opened the presentation with some hard-hitting facts:

- Last year, 685 people died by suicide in New Zealand.
- -6.9% (47) of these were attributed to the construction industry.
- 1 in 20 people have a thought of suicide in any two-week period.
- The construction industry has the highest proportion of suicides across all industries in NZ. -There has also been an increase in suicide in the Māori and Pasifika communities, a demographic largely represented in the construction industry.

He proposed a question to the crowd,
 “How many people in this room have been affected by suicide?”

Almost everyone in the room raised their hand. It was a startling revelation.
What was even more startling were the answers to the question that followed.

“Men, what stops us from seeking the help we need?”

Some of the answers were “not wanting to be a burden”, “finance” and “the stigma surrounding mental illness in our country”.

This is exactly the kind of narrative that MATES are actively trying to change.

“Research has shown us that workers find it difficult to discuss feelings and emotions with colleagues at work, and the nature of the work has made social support more difficult. We are working to equip people on-site to recognise the signs that can lead to suicide, start conversations about suicide, and connect them to help.”

Ben Morunga-Toi provides the audience with information about identifying the signs that show someone may need help.

Ben taught us that some of these signs could be changes in behaviour such as:

-Someone who is usually easy going who is now angry and easily irritated.

-A workmate who is usually talkative who is now isolating themselves and not wanting to talk to people.

- A usually social person who is now actively distancing themselves. This could look like them not responding to messages or staying around for work drinks.

- Someone who is visibly finding it hard to cope with everyday things or is struggling to concentrate.

- Someone who is turning to alcohol or drugs as a way of coping and coming to work frequently hungover.

- It could even be someone who is usually punctual turning up to work late or not at all.

 

It’s one thing to be able to identify these changes but the key is knowing what the next steps are once you do. The key here is encouraging kōrero.

“On-site, it’s sometimes just noticing a change in your mate, and then simply asking, ‘are you ok?’

Step 1 is to initiate that conversation – Ask how they are doing?, how life is? or how the family is? You could mention specific thing that made you concerned and let them know that you are worried about them. Make sure you take the time to listen to them and let them know you’re there to support them. Don’t rush then and wait patiently while they think of their response. Take it seriously.

Step 2 is to encourage your mate to seek help for what they are struggling with. Remind them there is always someone to listen and support them and they are not alone. It might be a good idea to encourage them to speak the Health and Safety Manager or someone they trust on site. At Switched on Group we have a free counselling service available to all of our employees that is a great resource for those needing support (OCP – details) Most importantly, make sure you follow up with them and reassure that you’re always available to talk to.

 

Chris Hughes, Kimberley Schofield, Slade McFarland and Ben Morunga-Toi

We’re proud to say that 108 people were inducted into the MATES General Awareness Training last week. That’s 108 people who now know how to actively look out for signs of their workmates struggling and know exactly how they can help.

If you’d like to know more about the incredible work that MATES are doing across Aotearoa you can learn more about their programme here > www.mates.net.nz

A massive thank you to Slade and Ben for delivering such an informative and valuable seminar and to Kimberley Schofield our Health and Safety Officer for organising the event,

We’d also like to thank Thrive Catering, the Christchurch City Mission Social enterprise who provided us with delicious food throughout the day.