My name is Amy Evans and I'm raising funds to support local mental health organisations in the Riverina and making talking about mental health in the construction industry the norm.
MY STORY
Since my early 20’s I’ve struggled with mental health, and have experienced depression and anxiety. I’ve learnt to manage it with medication and having a supportive network of family and close friends. It wasn’t until my mid 30’s that I learnt to embrace it and not be ashamed or embarrassed about it. I learnt that it was important to accept it as part of who I am, to be open with others and recognise that many other people also struggle with mental health. My husband was diagnosed in his mid-30’s with bipolar disorder, which has been a rollercoaster of a ride, making us both realise just how frustrating the mental health system can be and how mental health support is so important.
This year, I took on a new work opportunity – it was a massive change and challenge to work on the frontline in the construction industry for Transport for NSW as an Environment Manager. Construction is a significantly male dominated industry - every day I am surrounded by blokes who are working long hours away from their families. It wasn’t until I worked firsthand in this industry that I realised just how prevalent mental health issues are. Australia loses 1 construction worker every 2 days to suicide. Workers in this industry have a higher risk of suicide (53%) when compared to other employed guys in the country. Working long hours, under constant pressure and away from loved ones is really hard.
THE BIG SHAVE AND CHARITY DONATIONS
I’ve been growing my hair for nearly two years to be able to donate it to Hair with heart, a worth charity supporting kids who have lost their hair due to a medical condition, not to mention plucking grey hairs out the whole time . I’m asking for your donations and support to help me meet my goal so I can support these charities close to my heart. My goal is to raise $5,000 to support the below mental health organisations:
TIACS - (partly funded by TradeMutt). Provides free mental health service over phone and text, available to everyone from anywhere in Australia. it connects tradies, truckies, blue collar workers and those who care about them with mental health professionals. If you need a yarn, whether about your mental health or simply how your day has been, you can call or text 0488 846 988 and speak with a counsellor. https://www.tiacs.org/
Riverina Bluebell - Riverina Bluebell is a not-for-profit, volunteer, community organisation. They work at linking people in the Riverina in south west NSW with the help, support and resources they need when dealing with mental illness. Their goal is to raise awareness about mental health issues in the Riverina and encourage people to get help and support. https://www.riverinabluebell.org.au/
Murrumbidgee Mens Group - MMG has been formed to address the need for support for men in our area. This is a grass roots initiative made by men with lived experience of mental illness to help and support other men dealing with mental illness. The purpose of MMG is to connect men from different walks of like, cultures, and beliefs over the age of 16 with other like-minded men in a supportive environment that is non-judgemental. To talk openly and freely about issues that they might be facing including depression, anxiety, suicide, work/life stress, and many more. This group is drug and alcohol free. https://www.murrumbidgeemg.com.au/
SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH EVERYDAY - PARTICULARLY IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
I’ve found that a lot of the guys I work with are fighting their own battles too. By simply taking a minute or two and having a chat with someone, it can have a really positive impact on them. I will often ask workmates “How are you going?” or “Are you ok?” and they will open up or have a decent chat with me. Simply asking that one question can mean so much, you don’t have to be an expert – just able to listen.
Workplace culture in the construction industry needs to change. If I’ve learnt anything recently it’s that everyone is fighting their own battles. Never judge a book by its cover and always take the time to ask someone how they are going and if they are ok. Not just “are you ok” and the answer being “yeah”. Dig a bit deeper and follow up with “are you really ok” or “I’m here if you want to chat”. You never know what is going on in someone’s life and taking a few minutes to really listen and care can make a world of difference.
With everything going on in the world especially with COVID-19, 2021 has been a hard year for everyone. Take a minute or two to ask your workmate, loved one or anyone if they are ok. Let’s help support each other and make talking about mental health a normal and regular thing.
I'll be shaving my long locks on 13th December 2021 on site at the Barton Highway Upgrade Construction Site where I have been working full time for the last 15 months.
Please jump on board if you can and click the link below to help support. Who knows how I'll look with a shaved head
MY STORY
Since my early 20’s I’ve struggled with mental health, and have experienced depression and anxiety. I’ve learnt to manage it with medication and having a supportive network of family and close friends. It wasn’t until my mid 30’s that I learnt to embrace it and not be ashamed or embarrassed about it. I learnt that it was important to accept it as part of who I am, to be open with others and recognise that many other people also struggle with mental health. My husband was diagnosed in his mid-30’s with bipolar disorder, which has been a rollercoaster of a ride, making us both realise just how frustrating the mental health system can be and how mental health support is so important.
This year, I took on a new work opportunity – it was a massive change and challenge to work on the frontline in the construction industry for Transport for NSW as an Environment Manager. Construction is a significantly male dominated industry - every day I am surrounded by blokes who are working long hours away from their families. It wasn’t until I worked firsthand in this industry that I realised just how prevalent mental health issues are. Australia loses 1 construction worker every 2 days to suicide. Workers in this industry have a higher risk of suicide (53%) when compared to other employed guys in the country. Working long hours, under constant pressure and away from loved ones is really hard.
THE BIG SHAVE AND CHARITY DONATIONS
I’ve been growing my hair for nearly two years to be able to donate it to Hair with heart, a worth charity supporting kids who have lost their hair due to a medical condition, not to mention plucking grey hairs out the whole time . I’m asking for your donations and support to help me meet my goal so I can support these charities close to my heart. My goal is to raise $5,000 to support the below mental health organisations:
TIACS - (partly funded by TradeMutt). Provides free mental health service over phone and text, available to everyone from anywhere in Australia. it connects tradies, truckies, blue collar workers and those who care about them with mental health professionals. If you need a yarn, whether about your mental health or simply how your day has been, you can call or text 0488 846 988 and speak with a counsellor. https://www.tiacs.org/
Riverina Bluebell - Riverina Bluebell is a not-for-profit, volunteer, community organisation. They work at linking people in the Riverina in south west NSW with the help, support and resources they need when dealing with mental illness. Their goal is to raise awareness about mental health issues in the Riverina and encourage people to get help and support. https://www.riverinabluebell.org.au/
Murrumbidgee Mens Group - MMG has been formed to address the need for support for men in our area. This is a grass roots initiative made by men with lived experience of mental illness to help and support other men dealing with mental illness. The purpose of MMG is to connect men from different walks of like, cultures, and beliefs over the age of 16 with other like-minded men in a supportive environment that is non-judgemental. To talk openly and freely about issues that they might be facing including depression, anxiety, suicide, work/life stress, and many more. This group is drug and alcohol free. https://www.murrumbidgeemg.com.au/
SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH EVERYDAY - PARTICULARLY IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
I’ve found that a lot of the guys I work with are fighting their own battles too. By simply taking a minute or two and having a chat with someone, it can have a really positive impact on them. I will often ask workmates “How are you going?” or “Are you ok?” and they will open up or have a decent chat with me. Simply asking that one question can mean so much, you don’t have to be an expert – just able to listen.
Workplace culture in the construction industry needs to change. If I’ve learnt anything recently it’s that everyone is fighting their own battles. Never judge a book by its cover and always take the time to ask someone how they are going and if they are ok. Not just “are you ok” and the answer being “yeah”. Dig a bit deeper and follow up with “are you really ok” or “I’m here if you want to chat”. You never know what is going on in someone’s life and taking a few minutes to really listen and care can make a world of difference.
With everything going on in the world especially with COVID-19, 2021 has been a hard year for everyone. Take a minute or two to ask your workmate, loved one or anyone if they are ok. Let’s help support each other and make talking about mental health a normal and regular thing.
I'll be shaving my long locks on 13th December 2021 on site at the Barton Highway Upgrade Construction Site where I have been working full time for the last 15 months.
Please jump on board if you can and click the link below to help support. Who knows how I'll look with a shaved head
