Nearly a year ago a colleague of mine experienced an immeasurable loss when a student enrolled in one of the programs took their own life. The effects of such an event will be with the faculty member and this student's peers for the remainder of their lives. Incidents of this nature tend to leave us with many questions, but most of all we find ourselves asking "why?"
Mental health and depression are thankfully becoming much more of a talking point these days. As a culture we are beginning to normalize the idea that most of us are missing a key element in fighting these internal battles: communication. It's becoming clear that what we need most is to talk to one another.
Jill Fleming's article in the link below details some fairly grim statistics on the topic. Men's mental health in the construction industry is an issue that is seldom discussed, but as she points out, this industry is in particular need of attention. There are many theories as to why men in construction hesitate to express themselves or even acknowledge that they are indeed struggling, but from what I have witnessed in my coworkers it seems to primarily stem from a culture that breeds a "tough guy" attitude where men don't feel supported in their basic need to feel their emotions.
Despite the university offering counselling resources to its students, many often overlook it or don't consider themselves to actually require help. A few of my fellow faculty members and I felt that the conversation was in need of a boost, and took it upon ourselves to organize an event for the sake of mental health. Specifically, men's mental health in the trades. We landed on a 24hr Bike-a-Thon that took place at our Trade's and Technology campus, and donated the proceeds towards our Movember fundraiser account.
During this event we found ourselves overwhelmed with support from faculty members and students alike. We had over thirty individuals scheduled to ride in 60 minute slots on two stationary bikes for a full 24 hour cycle, and even more spectators stopped by and took part in the conversation. Our afternoon was spent handing out brochures with distressing statistics and available services <<attached below>>, serving candy like Oh Henrys, Mr.Bigs and Nerds to represent our theme, and listening to good music. Most importantly, we had a lot of laughs and healthy discussion about our experiences. There was resounding recognition that the industry needs to do more to support their workers, and we collectively have to move forward in support of this change. It was heartwarming to witness and be a part of.
In speaking with my learning partner on the subject, I requested his opinion on the matter to see if he had any thoughts or insight to add. He agreed that he too witnessed a clear lack of support for the men in the industry, and even shared an experience that he encountered at one jobsite. During a particularly challenging project, he was instructed to work longer than normal hours without much regard for appreciation towards his time. He was often thrown under the bus for work and required to carry out jobs that he didn't feel comfortable doing. The understanding was that he either did what he was told or be replaced. This essentially left no room for opinion towards discomfort, and certainly didn't allow space for a person to feel supported in voicing their anxieties. He eventually decided to leave the job, as he felt it wasn't worthwhile to stick around and likely lose a battle fighting for what he deserved.
This is a perfect example of how the industry expects it's workers to show up and shut up. It exploits our need to make a living until the moment we require support to maintain any level of sanity. This attitude of "Do Not Enter" towards discussion on the topic of mental health only stifles confidence in people to address their needs. Apprentices see this as a sign that they are best to simply keep their mouths shut or be labelled cowards, and perhaps this is part of the reason why the student we lost felt so incredibly alone.
We need to do better. Until the industry leaders acknowledge the road ahead and truly take action, it will be up to us as the workers to accept our own role that we play in this fight for change. As a trades instructor I feel a personal responsibility to support discussion with my apprenticeship students about the importance of being open with ourselves and to others. Having candid conversation about the challenges that they may face on the job allows them to consider active and appropriate ways to manage inevitable anxieties and stressors that are associated within their manner of work. These exercises encourage a feeling of unity over solitude, and expose how having emotion is a normal and necessary part of our lives. This fosters a space where the students can not only witness others coming forward and being expressive but also explore their own emotions in a healthy and supported atmosphere. My hope is that they take these experiences with them long into their careers and feel confident representing the advancement of this mentality for their own apprentices down the line.
If you or someone you know is in need of help:
Anywhere in BC 1-800-SUICIDE: 1-800-784-2433
Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789
Vancouver Coastal Regional Distress Line: 604-872-3311
Sunshine Coast/Sea to Sky: 1-866-661-3311
Seniors Distress Line: 604-872-1234
Online Chat Service for Youth: www.YouthInBC.com (Noon to 1am)
Online Chat Service for Adults: www.CrisisCentreChat.ca(Noon to 1am)