November/December Issue 64 - Flipbook - Page 33
D4DRIVERS
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK 2021
Dr. Lisa Williams, Clinical Psychologist
We all have mental health, and we all
have times when it feels better than
others. These highs and lows are
entirely normal – how can anyone
expect to feel great all the time – and
so is speaking to people about it.
In most organisations, colleagues talk
to each other every day about life’s
challenges. They provide love and care
for each other by making cups of tea
and getting lunch, and they pop-in on
their day off because they enjoy the
company. If a person has a problem
that needs more, someone help access
a solution.
The workforce looks after each other’s
mental health without knowing, simply
because they are in direct contact. At
the end of each day, if this has not done
the job, most people return home to
their family who provide another buffer
or outlet for life’s stressors.
There is a huge contrast between this
and working in the haulage industry;
a job characterised by isolation from
colleagues, friends and family. The
factor that provides us with good mental
health and offers a source of support
when things are tough is no longer
available.
When coupled with difficult working
conditions and a lack of quality sleep,
healthy meal options and physical
activity, it is no surprise that mental
health problems are common in people
who work in the haulage industry. These
factors are the tyres on the wheels and
the oil in the engine; if they are not
in good working order the machine
doesn’t function optimally.
The continuing coronavirus pandemic
has added to this. From having to
socially distance at motorway services
to worrying about family when hundreds
of miles apart, the isolation and stress
of working in the haulage industry has
been amplified over the past 12 months.
In a male dominated profession that
carries with it a certain stereotype, it isn’t
always easy for people to reach out and
ask for help. Mental Health Awareness
Week 2021 is about challenging the
stigma that exists around depression,
anxiety and other mental health
conditions, and raising awareness of
how to protect our emotional well-being.
The theme this year is ‘nature’, and the
challenge is to stop and notice some
of the small things around us that we
generally let pass us by each day. It
may sound a bit alternative, but the next
time you pull over for a tea break, try
just taking in the view. It really is one
of life’s pleasures - and it doesn’t cost
a penny!
In addition; the building bricks of good
mental health are sleep, a balanced diet,
exercise and feeling connected socially.
So, download an exercise video to try,
and contact family and friends. No one
ever felt worse for doing these things.
