As mental health issues continue to affect workers in trades across the UK, we offer some advice on some of the warning signs to look out for and how to deal with someone you suspect is suffering in silence.
My name is Ryan Dempsey and I am now the CEO of a software company – TCW – which I founded long ago when I was working for a large local authority. I set up the company in 2013 before taking up the role full-time at the start of 2017 and haven’t looked back since.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Why is this guy writing in English?” Well, here goes…
I am originally an electrician by profession. After a short period of military service and then in the police, I entered the electrical industry somewhat by accident. In short, I advanced my qualifications while gaining valuable experience in the sector.
I fell in love with the science and principles of testing and inspection and ended up doing contract testing with a local authority. Once I started this, it wasn’t long before I was working for the authority and rising through the ranks quickly.
During my time in the local authority, I started making a lot of noise about efficiency, quality, standards and development of the electricity industry, based on things I was seeing and experiencing. I called people up, acted like an idiot as they say, and eventually found myself standing in front of the industry to present my view to the world.
After that, I got guidance documents on electrical safety in the social housing sector, and I got a fellowship in recognition of my efforts. Then I met a young man who amazed me with his passion and desire for this sector, and from that meeting the e5 group was born.
Okay, now that you know a little bit about who writes the important stuff, let’s talk about mental health.
First, I want to say that there may be some “triggers” in this article, so please pay attention to them.
A few years ago, a friend of mine, Asif Chaudhry (from the Resources section), reached out to me and asked if I would take part in a 30-day challenge to raise awareness about men’s mental health. The challenge was called #ShareYourS**t and involved me doing 25 push-ups every day for 30 days and filming it for social media.
As with most things in my life, I always like to try to figure out why, so I did some deep research into the world of mental health. What followed was life-changing!
Look beyond the smile
Mental health issues are not just about being sad or suffering from stress-related disorders; they are about our emotions and our psychological and social well-being. Mental health affects the way we think, feel and, in almost all cases, the way we act.
Depression can be caused by things that seem unrelated to some but are clearly important to others. It is also clear that depression in today’s world can be largely attributed to the increasing popularity of things like social media and the ability to see what people want you to see while misleading you from reality.
I’ve learned over the past few years that when you’re in a crowded room and you watch people laugh and smile, there’s a truth that people are afraid to reveal. You’ll never have the superpower to spot those who are suffering because they usually do a tremendous job of hiding it. However, you may be able to spot it in people you care about and have known for a while. There will be chinks in their armor and paying attention can prove to be the difference between life and death, literally.
If you notice a change in your loved one’s behavior, such as staring into space more frequently, having trouble sleeping, forgetting things like major events, etc., don’t just accept it as a change – ask them if they’re okay. Also, ask them in a way that shows you care about the answer.
In most cases, you have to prepare yourself for the fact that they will probably say, “Yes, everything is fine,” and that is normal. You cannot determine their position—all you can do is show them that they have a rider they can count on whenever they are ready. Remember, the hardest thing in the world is to present what you personally feel is weakness to someone who may see you as a rock.
The world is changing, and it’s more important than ever to be kind. If you find yourself in a situation where you could say something that you know is intentionally offensive, negative, or unkind, just show some self-discipline and don’t do it. It will be more valuable to you and the other person in the long run.
Running for a Cause: Kieron’s Journey
After falling at work in October 2022, Kieron Fletcher found himself struggling with mental health issues during his recovery.
Kieron’s journey to recovery took an unexpected turn when he found solace in running, with his brother Michael by his side. It was at this point that Kieron reached out to the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) because he wanted to help raise awareness of the charity and the work it does for those working in the electricity and energy sectors.
Kieron and his brother’s commitment to this newfound passion for running has seen them take part in various races across the UK. Through their fundraising efforts, they aim to highlight the vital work that the EIC does. With Kieron leading the charge, the industry is being reminded of the importance of prioritising mental health and promoting a culture of inclusion and support.
The EIC Foundation invites you to join Kieron and Michael in their mission to support mental health in the electrical industry. Your donation will not only provide critical assistance to those in need, but will also help raise awareness of the resources available through the charity.
Learn more about Kieron’s running challenges and find out how to donate here.
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