By Jamie Salter
The conversation around mental health in the building and construction industry is continuing, with a second Barefoot Bowls event held by Nar Nar Goon resident Bek Bishop.
The event encouraged local community members in the industry to enjoy an afternoon to relax at the Pakenham Bowls Club.
Held on Friday 5 August, the event included a barbecue provided by the bowls club as well as a speech from keynote speaker Nick Sutherland of Myndfit.
Ms Bishop said the event encouraged people to slow down and look after their mental health.
“I see a need in the community to get builders, tradesmen and people in our industry together because we have worked so hard and the construction industry hasn’t had an opportunity to stop,” Ms Bishop said.
“I was working 17 hours a day for three weeks in a row and many people were in similar situations. Work isn’t going to slow down for us so we have to make sure we take that time for ourselves.
“Everyone here has the same stresses in construction about supplies, delays, costs and sickness but sometimes they feel alone, so the whole point is to bring everyone here so they feel less alone.”
The event ran for a couple of hours with raffle prizes going home with some lucky guests.
Mr Sutherland said it was great to connect with people who were interested in looking after their mental health.
“At Myndfit, we’re taking a proactive approach to mental health to help people think more constructively. A lot of people spend time on their physical health but will generally neglect their mental health,” he said.
“I’m ex-military and came out about 20 years ago with severe anxiety, so I’ll share what to look out for and how I came out the other side as well as what mental health is – everyone has mental health.”
Mr Sutherland overcame severe anxiety and now helps others to improve their own mental health.
“I spent eight years spiralling down to the point where I couldn’t open the front door to check the letterbox so I got help and changed the way my mind works,“ Mr Sutherland said.
“There’s a lot we can proactively do to be mentally well.”
If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, or go to lifeline.org.au
