Alright everyone Ive had a gut full of everyone coming onto a page called fifo man and complaining about fifo people talking about fifo issues! Yes people in all walks of life commit suicide and yes people in all walks of life have depression. The point Im trying to make is that a fifo/dido/away from home worker has the added stresses of isolation and limited to no help. Yes some companies have a token employee assistance program but nobody wants to use it for fear of retribution from the employer. Think it doesnt happen? Think again. Ive had a number of messages from people out there who have done just that and lost their jobs and havent been able to get back into the industry once they have sought help and recovered. When you are working in a remote area with limited to no phone reception how are you supposed to get the confidential help you might require? You could go and use the phones some camps supply, in a small room with a bunch of other phones and other people listening in? You could go and talk to your Co workers, unless they are like many others out there who are more likely to call you princess or tell you to harden up! So in summary yes depression and suicide is an issue right throughout society as is the stigma that surrounds us blokes talking about our emotions, but add to that the isolation, long work hours, demanding work schedules and the inability to physically help anyone back home or change a situation that is causing your pain and you have a recipe for disaster. That is evident with the fact that in the Pilbara alone there have been a reported 9 people end their lives while away from home. Keep in mind that these figures dont include those who may have done it when they get back home or while away from work. Also I believe that not all cases are actually made public so the figure could be higher. As for the people who say that the numbers are no different for workers who dont work away from home there isnt any research that has been done on fifo specific workers and weather the risks are higher. I personally believe having worked in the city and away from home that working away is a lot harder than being at home where you can action anything that needs doing or meet up with your trusted friends. Finally I would just like to say that even if my story or the stories of others on this page doesnt echo your own story, you might be able to find some relevance that might help you or someone you know. If not it might just show you what life can be like for others.
Posted on: Mon, 18 Aug 2014 11:12:20 +0000
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