Talking about something other than booze, birds and football might just save a life.
Today, 10 September, is World Suicide Prevention Day. This is a subject that is close to my heart having lost a business partner to suicide a few years back. But it is also a subject that should be close to the heart of all within the demolition industry.
Why? Well three out of four suicides are men. And, let’s face it, demolition remains a predominantly male industry. Each year, more than half a million men around the world take their own lives, often through some form of mental health issue. Yet the subject of suicide carries with it some stigma and is, therefore, hidden in the shadows and rarely discussed.
Women are more likely to talk about what’s going on and seek help for mental health problems, whereas we men are good at bottling things up and toughing it out. We’re pretty good at talking about sport, work, the latest gadget, or the latest film but as men need to get better at talking about the significant stuff going on in our lives – things like losing a job, the breakdown of a relationship, or a significant personal or professional setback.
It isn’t easy to talk. We were raised to believe that men are supposed to be strong, tough and resilient – I know I was – and this is even more the case in a macho, testosterone-fuelled industry like demolition.
But asking for help is not a sign of weakness. No-one would attempt to tackle a demolition project on their own; they need help and support throughout the demolition process. And no-one thinks less of them for that!
If you’re reading this at work, chances are you’re on a site or in an office surrounded by men. Are any of them struggling? Are you? If so, for the love of God, talk about it.
It’s naive to think that a conversation will save every life, but conversations do help men stay mentally healthy. So it’s time to break our silence and recognise that the key to overcoming even the biggest problems is to start talking.
It’s good to talk.
