Mental Health Struggles and PTSD
Lani Hilder, a former coal miner in Queensland's Bowen Basin, paints a grim picture of the mental health challenges faced by those working in the industry. She describes her own struggles with breakdowns, heavy drinking, and relationship issues, experiences that led her to become a counsellor specializing in mining and FIFO workers and their families.
Hilder highlights the significant disconnect and disruption within families, often resulting in divorce and infidelity. A 2018 study published in the Medical Journal of Australia confirms this, finding that psychological distress is significantly more prevalent in the remote mining and construction workforce than in the general population.
Adding to the mental health burden are the frequent deaths and serious accidents that plague the industry. This year alone, four workers have died in Queensland's mines. While regulations require operators to manage risks associated with psychological hazards, Hilder believes that mental health education on the ground often falls short. She emphasizes the need for workers to be equipped with knowledge about mental health struggles, including recognizing signs and symptoms, and effectively addressing incidents and troubling situations.
Neal Davies, a former counsellor in Central Queensland's mining industry, experienced the toll of this work firsthand. He developed PTSD after witnessing numerous critical incidents, including suicides and fatal accidents. His wife, Cathie, also a counsellor in the mines, feared for his safety, constantly worried about whether he would be alive when she returned home from work.
Davies' story serves as a stark reminder of the mental health challenges faced by those working in the industry. He encourages anyone struggling with similar issues to remember that there is always hope and that seeking help is crucial.
Both Hilder and Davies are committed to improving the mental health landscape within the mining industry. Hilder has developed a mental health education training program specifically designed for miners and their families, which she hopes to implement across the industry. Their efforts highlight the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support for those working in this demanding and often dangerous field.