With mental health issues continuing to affect trades workers throughout the UK, we get some advice on a few of the warning signs to look out for and how to approach someone that you suspect might be suffering in silence.
My name is Ryan Dempsey and Iβm now the CEO of a software company β TCW β which I founded way back when I worked for a large local authority. I created the company in 2013 before taking the full-time position at the beginning of 2017 and havenβt looked back since.
Now, I know what youβre probably thinking: βWhy is this guy writing in PE?β Well, here goes…
Iβm originally an electrician by trade. After a short spell in the miliary and then the police, I fell into the electrical industry somewhat by mistake. To cut a long story short, I progressed through the qualifications whilst gaining valuable experience in the sector.
I eventually fell in love with the science and principles around testing and inspecting and ended up testing for a local authority contract. Once this started it wasnβt long before I was working in the authority and quickly climbing the ranks.
In my time in local authority, I started making a lot of noise around competence, quality, standards and development of the electrical industry, based on things i was seeing and experiencing. I called people out, acted the ‘goat’ as they say, and eventually found myself stood in front of the industry giving my view of the world.
What followed was EngTech Elec, Electrical Safety guidance documents for the social housing sector and a Fellowship for my efforts. I then met a chap who blew my mind with his passion and desires for the sector, and from that meeting the e5 Group was born.
So, now you know a little bit behind the person writing the important stuff, letβs talk mental health.
Firstly, Iβll say that there may be some βtriggersβ in this article, so please be mindful.
A few years ago, I was approached by a friend, Asif Choudry (Resource), who asked me if I would take part in a 30-day challenge to raise awareness of menβs mental health. The challenge was called #ShareYourS**t and it involved me doing 25 press ups each day for 30 days and videoing them for social media.
As with most things in my life, I always like to try and get my teeth into the reasons why, so I took a deep dive into the world of mental health.What followed changed my life!
Look beyond the smile
Mental health issues arenβt just about being sad or suffering from stress-related disorders; itβs attributed to our emotions, psychological and social well-being. Mental health affects how we think, how we feel and, in almost all cases, how we act.
It may be triggered by things that seem irrelevant to some but are clearly important to others. Itβs also abundantly clear that depression in todayβs world can, in large parts, be attributed to the rise in popularity of things like social media and the ability to see what people want you to see whilst misdirecting you from reality.
Iβve learned over the last few years that when youβre in a crowded room watching people laugh and smile, thereβs a reality that people are scared to expose. You wonβt ever have the super powers to spot those who are suffering because theyβre normally doing a tremendous job of hiding it. However, you may be able to spot it in people you care about and who youβve known for a while. There will be cracks in their armour and paying attention could prove the difference between life and death, literally.
If you see a change in behaviour, such as someone you love staring into space more often, struggling to sleep or forgetting things like major events etc, donβt just accept that as a change β instead ask if theyβre alright. Furthermore, ask it in a way that shows youβre interested in the answer.
In most cases you should prepare yourself for the fact that theyβre likely going to say: βYes, everything is fineβ, and this is ok. You canβt fix where theyβre at β all you can do is demonstrate that they have a passenger who at any point they can lean on when theyβre ready. Remember that the hardest thing in the world to do is present what you personally feel as a weakness to someone who may see you as a rock.
The world is changing and itβs more important than ever to #BeKind. If you find yourself in a position where you can say something and you know its offensive, intentionally negative or unkind, just show some self-discipline and donβt do it. Itβll be worth far more to you and that individual in the long run.
RUNNING FOR A CAUSE: KIERONβS JOURNEY
Following a fall at work in October 2022, Kieron Fletcher found himself grappling with mental health issues during his recovery period.
Kieron’s journey toward healing took an unexpected turn when he discovered solace in running, with his brother Michael by his side. At this stage, Kieron reached out to the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) as he wanted to help generate awareness of the charity and the work it does for those in the electrical and energy sectors.
The commitment of Kieron and his brother to this new passion for running is leading them to participate in various races across the UK. Through their fundraising efforts, they aim to shine a spotlight on the vital work of the EIC. With Kieron leading the charge, the industry is reminded of the importance of prioritising mental health and fostering a culture of inclusivity and support.
The EIC is inviting you to join Kieron and Michael in their mission to support mental health within the electrical industry. Your donations will not only provide crucial assistance to those in need, but also help raise awareness about the resources available through the Charity.
Get more on Kieron’s running challenges and find out how to donate here
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