Yesterday was World Mental Health Day and it got me thinking about male Tradies and as blokes, how bad we are at expressing our feelings. Just as importantly though, is our inability to pick up on how our workmates are doing.
Men in general find it very hard to talk about how they are feeling especially to other men.
I’m in a relationship with my workmates
We spend more time with our work colleagues than we do with our partners, family and friends. For tradies in particular this time is spent predominantly with other men. Because we spend so much time together it is easier to pick when something isn’t right, if our work mate is off colour or not acting like themselves.
Generally when this happens as blokes we might say something humorous like “got out of the wrong side of the bed this morning”or “man up” or even worse something totally inappropriate such as “what’s got up your skirt”
Before all the women reading this post jump up out of your chairs with objections, such as you can’t say that, that’s discrimination against women. I agree, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t still happening between blokes.
Men speaking out about other men
Here’s the thing, men are becoming better at standing up against male chauvinistic comments like these. We are definitely seeing more and more acts of men refusing to put up with these types of comments, especially on reality tv programs such as The Bachelorette lately, but it’s not enough.
What I’m trying to say here though is that when a man says these types of comments to another man it stops dead in its tracks any opportunity for the man who is feeling down to want to share what’s going on for him. He feels like he’s not going to get any sympathy or willingness to listen out of the other guy, so why would he share his innermost emotions.
But this is exactly what we must do as men, if we are to help combat mental health issues.
Its an uncomfortable discussion – but I’ve got your back
I know it feels awkward and uncomfortable talking about Mental Health of Tradies but they are your mates, if they were in any other type of trouble you would be there for them every step of the way, you’d have their backs.
This is no different.
There are some great resources available for blokes who are worried about their mates. This is a very simple but very informative piece from Beyond Blue called Looking out for your mates. It will literally take you a couple of minutes to read but could help save one of your mates. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/men/looking-out-for-your-mates
Next time one of your workmates seems a little quiet, or down in the dumps, before you come out with one of your typical wise arse comments.
Stop and think, he’s my mate, he needs my help, my support and my compassion. I’ve got his back
Please feel free to leave your questions or comments or contact The Business Prophet so we can support you.
