A big thank you to all our customers who purchased Nitoseal Sealants during our 2022 MATES in Construction fundraising campaigns in Australia and New Zealand. All funds raised will support MATES' suicide prevention training programs, which are offered free to construction workplaces in both countries. As part of our campaign, MATES shared some practical advice for construction workers seeking to support their colleagues with mental health and wellbeing.
The MATES program is based on the simple idea that reducing suicide is everyone’s business. Whether you work on site or at a desk, you have a role to play by looking out for your mates at work and actively connecting them with support when they need it.
MATES offers the following 8 steps for supporting a friend or colleague. However, seek immediate professional help if you are concerned you or someone you know is at risk of suicide,
1. Be aware of others
People don’t always ask for help when they are going through a tough time and often try to hide how they are feeling by putting on a brave face. If someone appears sad or lonely or is acting differently than usual, ask how they're going. Keep a special watch on anyone you think is struggling.
2. Be prepared
Once you’ve noticed someone might not be travelling so well, you need to start a conversation and ask if they are OK. And if you think someone is in a really bad place, be direct and ask if they’re thinking about suicide. Think about your approach and what you're going to say. Consider where the best place to talk is.
3. Be brave
Approaching someone and starting a conversation about their feelings, personal situation or mental health comes naturally to some people, but for others this takes a lot of courage. Self-doubt and fear of the unknown are normal reactions, but you need to find a way forward. Decide to put your mate first. Be prepared for rejection but don't anticipate it. Ask direct questions – be very clear about what you are asking and why you are asking.
4. Be patient
If your offer of help is rejected or dismissed, don't be discouraged or take it personally. Understand that some people won't open up straight away – you might need to try a few times. Keep trying if you feel there is a problem. Try not to force the issue or be too pushy as this can cause distress. Reassure them that you care and are available to listen when they are ready.
5. Be a good listener
Active listening is more than just hearing someone speak. It also involves making a conscious effort to understand the entire message communicated through both words and non-verbal cues. Try to listen attentively while someone else speaks. When you do speak, focus on paraphrasing and reflecting on what is said, and withholding judgement and advice. It takes your full attention and concentration, so it is essential not to be distracted by other people, your phone, or anything else.
6. Be accepting
One way to be accepting is not to compare. When someone starts to open up about their problems and how they are feeling, it’s natural to reflect on how you’d feel in the same situation or remember a time you faced a similar problem. In comparison to your own experience, you might feel that their reaction is wrong or confusing or that you don’t understand why they feel the way they do. The reality is everyone’s situation is different, and there is no right or wrong way to feel.
7. Be helpful
When someone is struggling, it’s natural to want to offer suggestions on how to solve their problem or tell them what you would do if you were in their shoes. Rather than providing solutions, a more helpful approach is supporting and encouraging them to find their own, which gives them control of their situation and ownership of the way forward.
8. Be kind to yourself
Being a support person for someone who's going through a rough time can be draining, so it's essential to be kind to ourselves and focus on ways to be at our best. Some ideas for replenishing energy levels include going for a daily walk, playing sport or doing regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and eating well.
If you are concerned about your own mental health or want advice about helping a friend or colleague, you can also call the MATES in Construction support line on 0800 111 315.
