mental health and support guide for …...guide for induction returning to work after covid-19...

INDUSTRY-BACKED, RESEARCH-BASED, SUICIDE PREVENTION AND SUPPORT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SINCE 2008

MENTAL HEALTHAND SUPPORT GUIDE FOR INDUCTION

Returning to work after COVID-19 lockdown

Heading out of lockdown and back to site is likely to cause some feelings of anxiety and distress.

As we head back to site we want to remind everyone to remember that if you are struggling or recognise that you are not travelling well, it is okay.

It’s okay not to be okay, but it’s not okay to do nothing about it.

IF YOU FIND THAT YOU ARE FEELING STRESSED AND ANXIOUS, HERE ARE 5 SIMPLE STEPS TO HELP YOU MANAGE:

1

2

3

4

5

DE-STRESS Go through the steps below to help you de-stress. This will give you the time and skills to manage your feelings and emotions more easily.

STEP BACKStop what you are doing, remove yourself from the situation immediately. This is for your own health and safety and the safety of others working around you.

TAKE A BREATHTake 10 seconds for yourself. Take a breath and breathe out slowly a few times this will help slow your heart rate and calm your busy mind.

RE-FOCUSFocus on the here and now and clear your mind of the stressors you are feeling. Focusing is one of the best ways to alleviate stress by paying attention to what is going on now. This will help to calm your busy mind.

ENGAGENow that you have had a few minutes to re-centre, what do you need to engage with from here?

• You might be OK. Heading back to work right now is OK for you.

• You might just need to chat to someone, talk to a MATE, your boss or a friend or family member.

• You might be struggling more than both of those options. If so, we recommend that you advise someone onsite and engage with more professional supports such as MATES in Construction on 0800 111 315.

2 / MENTAL HEALTH AND SUPPORT GUIDE FOR INDUCTION

EMPOWERING CONVERSATIONS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

It is time to start the conversation about mental health, and in particular, time that we began supporting our managers to talk and take action to tackle mental ill-health in their workplaces.

Managers play a crucial role in the culture and processes of our workplaces, and therefore you can really make a difference and play an important role in addressing the challenge that mental ill-health in the work force poses.

Ensure that you address the topic of mental health directly, and make your workforce aware that you are here to support them during these strange and unprecedented times.

Try to be as informative as you can be about your organisation’s situation and keep your workforce up to date as to any changes and developments they can expect.

In this guide we will give you the resources to have the conversations, share the information and hear from our team at MATES to help make your site a mentally healthy one.

This guide can be shared with your entire workforce and will enable them to begin the crucial conversations about mental health in the workplace, as well as to take action to improve it. In the guide we have also included the steps to take if you are worried someone is having thoughts of suicide.

Always remember you are not alone, MATES in Construction is here to support you and we are just a phone call away - 0800 111 315.

CONVERSATIONS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH

Starting a conversation about mental health may make you feel worried, so we have some simple steps which you and your team can follow.


B (BERHAMPORE) PELETISENIOR FIELD OFFICER

✆ 027 601 3424

RICHIE HEPIFIELD OFFICER - CIP

RELATIONSHIP MANAGER

✆ 021 250 7394

SLADE MCFARLANDFIELD OFFICER KAINGA ORA

RELATIONSHIP MANAGER

✆ 027 212 8180

RAMAN LEEFIELD OFFICER

✆ 021 0243 6249

TJ (TUPU) ANEASSISTANT

FIELD OFFICER

✆ 027 379 4106

TIPS FOR MANAGERS

• Reassure your team with clear, direct and supportive communications.

• Use the attached posters to support and display the guidance available.

• Use the managers’ help guide for communication.

• Use the employees’ self help guide to assist with ways to look after themselves.

• Support your team members directly. Help them deal with issues which they may be struggling with.

Communicate regularly and clearly with your team about what is happening and how you are following the Ministry of Health guidelines on COVID-19. Starting the conversation about this mental health issue is hugely important.

• Try to make sure you are being inclusive in your COVID-19 communications, considering factors that might be affecting different groups across your workforce.

• Make sure that your language is sensitive and considerate of these different groups and their concerns (parents/high risk members, gender and ethnicity).

• Allow your workforce to voice their concerns and try to address their worries with transparency.

Remind your workforce that there is always someone there to support them. For example:

• It’s easy to feel isolated and unsupported during these uncertain times but know that there are a range of support services available across NZ to help you manage your concerns – whatever they might be. Go to www.mates.net.nz for resources for our workers. Additional support services are at the back of this document.

COVID-19 AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT


KNOWING HOW TO SPOT THE SIGNS


CHANGES IN BEHAVIOUR THAT YOU OR A MATE MIGHT BE DISPLAYING. THESE ARE NOT ONE-OFF INCIDENCES, BUT RATHER HAPPENING MORE OFTEN THAN USUAL.

IT’S OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY, BUT IT’S NOT OKAY TO DO NOTHING ABOUT IT.Sometimes what might be happening for us might require more help. Talk to a mate, or call us at MATES in Construction on 0800 111 315 or free text 5353. We are available 24/7 for free confidential service.

struggling to concentrate

struggling to finish tasks

using alcohol or drugs as a way of coping

coming to work late

not making it to work at all

usually easy going

angry and agitated easily

being distant“not responding to messages”

finding it hard to cope with everyday things

isolating oneself“not wanting to talk to people”

usually talkative

usually sociable

You don’t have to have all the answers – just being there and being supportive is great!

HOW TO START A CONVERSATION


“How are you doing?”

“How can I help?”

“You don’t seem yourself – anything up?”

“What’s happening in your world?”

“What would be a good first step?”

“Have you spoken to anyone else about this?”

“What would help you manage the load?”

“What can we change to make life easier?”

“How’s life?”

“What has helped before?”

“How’s the family?”

ENCOURAGE HELP SEEKING

Help your mate to talk about what they are struggling with and reassure them that you are there to listen and provide support with what they’re going through.

ENCOURAGE YOUR MATE TO SEEK HELP FOR WHAT THEY ARE STRUGGLING WITH

Remind your mate, there is always someone to listen and support them. They are not alone.

If you are supporting someone in the workplace, suggest they seek further support and perhaps talk to one of the following:

MATES in Construction – we are here 24/7 to support you and your mate. Maybe they could talk to the H&S Manager or someone they trust on site. You might have an Employee Assistance Programme, alternatively their GP, family, whanau, friends, community and church leaders could provide help.

You can help them contact someone for help.

Next, if they’re okay talking, then mention specific things that have made you concerned, such as:

Let them know you are asking because you are concerned about them. If they get upset or angry, stay calm, don’t take it personally.

Ask questions about what is going on like:

Don’t interrupt or rush them, just wait and sit patiently in silence while they think. Take it seriously.

What comes next?

➊ ➋

HOW TO START A CONVERSATION


SUPPORTING A MATE YOU THINK IS HAVING THOUGHTS ABOUT SUICIDE

Take them seriously.

They are not attention seeking and even if they don’t act on their feelings, there is something there.

Give them time.

You might feel anxious to hear their answers, but it helps if you let them take the time they need.

Silence is sometimes needed. Ask open questions.

These are questions that invite someone to say more than ‘yes’ or ‘no’, such as ‘How have you been feeling?’ or ‘What happened next?’

Try not to judge.

You might feel shocked or upset but it’s important not to blame the person for how they are feeling. They may have taken a big step by telling you.

Don’t avoid the topic.

Professionals recommend asking direct questions about suicide. Many people feel relieved and less isolated when they are asked.

Research has shown that speaking openly about suicide decreases the likelihood of the person acting on their feelings.

Asking simple, direct questions can encourage them to be honest about how they are feeling.

Be direct

These questions are direct. It is better to address the person’s feelings directly rather than avoiding the issue.

Asking about suicide won’t make it more likely to happen.

Mates in Construction is here to help 24/7:

0800 111 315

“Are you having suicidal thoughts?”

“What if I put the idea in their head?”

“What should I say to them?”

“I’m scared, is this safe?”

“Are you having thoughts of ending your life?”

➌

When someone tells you that they are feeling suicidal your response may be to:

• Try and find an easy solution

• Tell them to ‘cheer up’ ‘pull themselves together’, ‘man up’, or ‘snap out of it’

• Change the subject

• Tell them that they have no reason to feel like that

• Tell them that they shouldn’t feel like that

• Tell them that they should be grateful for having a good life

• Tell them that they are being silly

WHAT WON’T HELP SOMEONE WHO IS FEELING SUICIDAL?


These responses are not helpful and can make someone feel:

• rejected

• unheard

• alone

• like ‘no one understands’

• guilty

• criticised

If you are struggling, remember you are not alone.

There is always someone there to support you. You can call MATES on 0800 111 315 if you need to talk to someone.

REASSURANCE, RESPECT AND SUPPORT CAN HELP SOMEONE TO RECOVER FROM A DIFFICULT TIME

RESOURCES

Download these resources for use on your site:

• Back To Work Mental Health

Protocols

• Top Tips for Returning to Work

(information for managers)

• 5 simple steps to help you

manage stress

• MATES in Construction

• Self-Care Guide

• Spotting the Signs

Dowload resources by clicking above, or visit our website: https://mates.net.nz/get-help/covid-19-support/

COVID-19 BACK TO WORK MENTAL HEALTH PROTOCOLS

Feeling stressed is an experience that you and many of your MATES are likely going through.

It is normal to be feeling this way in the current situation.

Stress and the feelings associated with it are by no means a reflection that you cannot do your job or that you are weak.

Recognise where you are sitting with your emotions and take some time to stay focused on the now.

Consider if your emotions are more extreme than usual and if so, you might need some further support.

Managing your stress and wellbeing during this time is as crucial as:

• Looking after your physical health.

• Take care of your everyday needs and ensure rest and time out during work or after work, eat healthy, engage in physical activity, and stay in contact with family and friends.

• Continue to use the self-care strategies that you know work for you.

• Consider your wellbeing bucket – you will need to fill it up as it will feel empty at times.

There could be changes that you or a MATE might be showing. These are not one-off incidences but are happening more often than usual.

Are they:

• Angry or agitated

• Isolating themselves “Not wanting to talk to people”

• Using alcohol or drugs as a way of coping

• Being distant “Not replying to messages”

• Finding it hard to cope with everyday things

• Not looking after themselves, washing, looking unkept

• Struggling to concentrate

• Struggling to finish work

• Coming into work late or being absent a lot

Sometimes what might be happening for us might require more help.

Talk to someone that you trust at work or a friend or family member.

We know there is a range of support in the community that is available.

MATES in Construction Team can help navigate you through some of the supports available.

MATES in Construction is a free confidential service available 24/7.

Simply ring MATES in Construction on 0800 111 315 or text us on 5353 and one of our staff will support you.

Clear communication during Covid-19 is essential. Make mental health part of the conversation.

Know your workers. Look out for any changes in their behavior.

Proactively support workers who identify as being at risk of workplace psychological injury.

Use the MATES induction tools on site.

Talk about how everyone is travelling at Toolbox Talks and breaks.

If you have an Employee Assistance Programme, inform your workers that it is available.

Have MATES signage as much as you can across the site to encourage help seeking behaviors.


FEELINGS AND EMOTIONS

WELLBEING CHANGES IN BEHAVIOUR

SUPPORT AVAILABLE

WHAT CAN EMPLOYERS DO?

0800 111 315 / www.mates.net.nzINDUSTRY-BACKED, RESEARCH-BASED, SUICIDE PREVENTION AND SUPPORT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SINCE 2008


CHANGES IN BEHAVIOUR that you or a mate might be displaying. These are not one-off incidences, but rather happening more often than usual.

Need to talk now? 0800 111 315 or free text 5353 / www.mates.net.nz

It’s okay not to be okay, but it’s not okay to do nothing about it.Sometimes what might be happening for us might require more help.

Talk to a mate, or call us at MATES in Construction on 0800 111 315 or free text 5353. We are available 24/7 for free confidential service.

Other helplines available 24/7:

Tautoko Suicide Helpline 0508 828 865

Lifeline 0800 543 354 (text 4357)

Youthline 0800 376 633

usually easy going







coming to work late



usually talkative

usually sociable

SELF-CARE GUIDE

National helplines open 24/7:

Mates in Construction 24/7 Helpline: 0800 111 315 (text 5353)


Lifeline 0800 543 354 (text 4357)


In an emergency dial 111 if you or someone you know is at risk of harm.

• Go with the person to the nearest hospital emergency department

• Phone your local DHB Mental Health Crisis team

• Free phone or text 1737 to communicate with a counsellor

BE KIND TO YOURSELF Have reasonable expectations of yourself. If you feel like you are struggling remember that we have been dealing with unusual and unique times. This has caused stress and anxiety in the community which can affect your mental health and wellbeing. Be aware of the strain you may have been under and don’t beat yourself up if you are not firing on all cylinders.

TAKE TIME FOR SELF-CARE In times of increased stress self-care must increase to counter the negative effects on your mental wellbeing. Ensure that you make time and create opportunities to do healthy things that make you feel good. This may be outdoor activities, hobbies, sports or spending quality time with friends or family.

DEVELOP YOUR KEY RELATIONSHIPS Take time to develop the most important connections you have with people. Create time for your relationships. Be kind and share how much you appreciate those valued relationships. These special human connections will then thrive, bringing you joy.

REMOVE NEGATIVE INFLUENCES IN YOUR LIFE Negative people and harmful activities can bring us down and affect our mental wellbeing. Surround yourself with happy and positive people who are positive and supportive. Avoid doing activities which you know to be harmful to your wellbeing.

EAT, DRINK AND SLEEP HEALTHILY A healthy diet, good hydration and sleep are fundamental for positive mental health and wellbeing. Look after your physical health and good mental health will follow.

Need to talk now? 0800 111 315 or free text 5353

www.mates.net.nz

COVID-19 – TOP TIPS FOR RETURNING TO WORK

Stay calm! You’re doing great.

Call MATES in Construction on our 24/7 helpline – 0800 111 315 or free text 5353 for immediate support and we can take it from there.

As employers in the construction industry during the Covid-19 crisis, we need to look at our employee’s physical health and safety as well as our employee’s mental health and well-being.

Think WELLBEING – It is crucial that we all sustain our physical and mental health.

To assist with the wellbeing of the employees returning to work:

BE CLEAR, BE HONEST, BE DIRECT in your messaging around all aspects to do with work, the site, safety and industry. The workers may already feel vulnerable about being back at work.

We want to ensure clear communication, providing clear boundaries, and directives which will make the environment easier to engage with and navigate. This will help create a sense of security.

ENCOURAGE YOUR WORKERS The morning Toolbox Talks are a great way to encourage your workers on start-up and at the end of the day. This will foster team morale and will increase positivity and productivity.

CHECK IN ON YOUR WORKERS often during the day. Once the Covid-19 stages change for industry the expectation is that all employees will need to work according to Health and Safety guidelines. This could create isolation and a long day for the workers onsite. Where possible make it part of business that someone from the team goes around and touches base with everyone to see how they are travelling.

BE AVAILABLE Advise your workers that if for any reason they are struggling they can come to the site office (or a point of contact) any time. Proactively support workers who identify as being at risk of workplace psychological injury. Refer workers to appropriate channels of support for workplace mental health and wellbeing, such as employee assistance programmes. Call MATES in Construction to speak to someone immediately on 0800 111 315.

SELF CARE When supporting others, we need to look after ourselves too. If you have helped someone today, you need to make time for yourself too by doing something that you know is good for you, even if you don’t feel like it. Go for a walk, phone MATES for a debrief session, spend time with loved ones or friends – these are great strategies which support your own wellbeing. Contact MATES in Construction for a debrief session on 0800 111 315.

0800 111 315 / www.mates.net.nzINDUSTRY-BACKED, RESEARCH-BASED, SUICIDE PREVENTION AND SUPPORT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SINCE 2008 Need to talk now? 0800 111 315 or free text 5353 / www.mates.net.nz

1 DE-STRESS

2 STEP BACK

3 TAKE A BREATH

4 RE-FOCUS

5 ENGAGE

Stop what you are doing, remove yourself from the

situation immediately. This is for your own health and

safety and the safety of others working around you.

Take 10 seconds for yourself. Take a breath and

breathe out slowly a few times this will help slow your

heart rate and calm your busy mind.

Focus on the here and now and clear your mind of the

stressors you are feeling. Focusing is one of the best

ways to alleviate stress by paying attention to what is

going on now. This will help to calm your busy mind.

Now that you have had a few minutes to re-centre,

what do you need to engage with from here?

• You might be OK. Heading back to work right

now is OK for you.

• You might just need to chat to someone, talk to a

MATE, your boss or a friend or family member.

• You might be struggling more than both of

those options. If so, we recommend that

you advise someone onsite and engage with

more professional supports such as MATES

in Construction on 0800 111 315.

5 SIMPLE STEPS TO HELP YOU MANAGE STRESS


As we head back to site we want to remind everyone to remember that if you are struggling or recognise that you are not travelling well, it is okay, because it’s okay NOT to be okay, but its NOT okay to do nothing about it.

Go through the steps below to help you de- stress.

This will give you the time and skills to manage your feelings and emotions more easily.


MATES HELPING MATES

Need a chat?

0800 111 315 or free text 5353 / www.mates.net.nz

https://mates.net.nz/get-help/covid-19-support/

https://mates.net.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/MATES-Covid-19-Back-to-Work-Protocols.pdf

https://mates.net.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/MATES-Knowing-How-to-Spot-the-Signs.pdf

https://mates.net.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/MATES-Self-Care-Guide.pdf

https://mates.net.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/MATES-Covid-19-Top-Tips-for-Returning-to-Work.pdf

https://mates.net.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/MATES-5-steps-to-help-you-manage-stress.pdf

https://www.dropbox.com/s/tc5zrcklghvjpqr/MICNZ%20A3%20Site%20Poster%20Field%20Officers.pdf?dl=0

: 09 302 0535 (business hours only)

: www.mates.net.nz

: PO Box 106-946 Auckland City 1143 NZ

Suicide is everyone’s business.

MATES in Construction 0800 111 315 or free text 5353

In an emergency dial 111 if you think they, you or someone else is at risk of harm.• go with the person to the nearest hospital emergency department, or• phone your local DHB Mental Health Crisis team, or visit www.mentalhealth.org.nz/get-help/in-crisis/, or• free phone or text 1737 to communicate immediately with a counsellor

Tautoko Suicide Helpline 0508 828 865Lifeline 0800 543 354 (text 4357)Youthline 0800 376 633

COVID-19 BACK TO WORK MENTAL HEALTH PROTOCOLS

Feeling stressed is an experience that you and many of your MATES are likely going through.

It is normal to be feeling this way in the current situation.

Stress and the feelings associated with it are by no means a reflection that you cannot do your job or that you are weak.

Recognise where you are sitting with your emotions and take some time to stay focused on the now.

Consider if your emotions are more extreme than usual and if so, you might need some further support.

Managing your stress and wellbeing during this time is as crucial as:

• Looking after your physical health.

• Take care of your everyday needs and ensure rest and time out during work or after work, eat healthy, engage in physical activity, and stay in contact with family and friends.

• Continue to use the self-care strategies that you know work for you.

• Consider your wellbeing bucket – you will need to fill it up as it will feel empty at times.

There could be changes that you or a MATE might be showing. These are not one-off incidences but are happening more often than usual.

Are they:

• Angry or agitated

• Isolating themselves “Not wanting to talk to people”

• Using alcohol or drugs as a way of coping

• Being distant “Not replying to messages”

• Finding it hard to cope with everyday things

• Not looking after themselves, washing, looking unkept

• Struggling to concentrate

• Struggling to finish work

• Coming into work late or being absent a lot

Sometimes what might be happening for us might require more help.

Talk to someone that you trust at work or a friend or family member.

We know there is a range of support in the community that is available.

MATES in Construction Team can help navigate you through some of the supports available.

MATES in Construction is a free confidential service available 24/7.


Clear communication during Covid-19 is essential. Make mental health part of the conversation.

Know your workers. Look out for any changes in their behavior.

Proactively support workers who identify as being at risk of workplace psychological injury.

Use the MATES induction tools on site.

Talk about how everyone is travelling at Toolbox Talks and breaks.

If you have an Employee Assistance Programme, inform your workers that it is available.

Have MATES signage as much as you can across the site to encourage help seeking behaviors.


FEELINGS AND EMOTIONS

WELLBEING CHANGES IN BEHAVIOUR

SUPPORT AVAILABLE

WHAT CAN EMPLOYERS DO?


COVID-19 – TOP TIPS FOR RETURNING TO WORK

Stay calm! You’re doing great.

Call MATES in Construction on our 24/7 helpline – 0800 111 315 or free text 5353 for immediate support and we can take it from there.

As employers in the construction industry during the Covid-19 crisis, we need to look at our employee’s physical health and safety as well as our employee’s mental health and well-being.

Think WELLBEING – It is crucial that we all sustain our physical and mental health.

To assist with the wellbeing of the employees returning to work:

BE CLEAR, BE HONEST, BE DIRECT in your messaging around all aspects to do with work, the site, safety and industry. The workers may already feel vulnerable about being back at work.

We want to ensure clear communication, providing clear boundaries, and directives which will make the environment easier to engage with and navigate. This will help create a sense of security.

ENCOURAGE YOUR WORKERS The morning Toolbox Talks are a great way to encourage your workers on start-up and at the end of the day. This will foster team morale and will increase positivity and productivity.

CHECK IN ON YOUR WORKERS often during the day. Once the Covid-19 stages change for industry the expectation is that all employees will need to work according to Health and Safety guidelines. This could create isolation and a long day for the workers onsite. Where possible make it part of business that someone from the team goes around and touches base with everyone to see how they are travelling.

BE AVAILABLE Advise your workers that if for any reason they are struggling they can come to the site office (or a point of contact) any time. Proactively support workers who identify as being at risk of workplace psychological injury. Refer workers to appropriate channels of support for workplace mental health and wellbeing, such as employee assistance programmes. Call MATES in Construction to speak to someone immediately on 0800 111 315.

SELF CARE When supporting others, we need to look after ourselves too. If you have helped someone today, you need to make time for yourself too by doing something that you know is good for you, even if you don’t feel like it. Go for a walk, phone MATES for a debrief session, spend time with loved ones or friends – these are great strategies which support your own wellbeing. Contact MATES in Construction for a debrief session on 0800 111 315.



1 DE-STRESS

2 STEP BACK

3 TAKE A BREATH

4 RE-FOCUS

5 ENGAGE

Stop what you are doing, remove yourself from the

situation immediately. This is for your own health and

safety and the safety of others working around you.

Take 10 seconds for yourself. Take a breath and

breathe out slowly a few times this will help slow your

heart rate and calm your busy mind.

Focus on the here and now and clear your mind of the

stressors you are feeling. Focusing is one of the best

ways to alleviate stress by paying attention to what is

going on now. This will help to calm your busy mind.

Now that you have had a few minutes to re-centre,

what do you need to engage with from here?

• You might be OK. Heading back to work right

now is OK for you.

• You might just need to chat to someone, talk to a

MATE, your boss or a friend or family member.

• You might be struggling more than both of

those options. If so, we recommend that

you advise someone onsite and engage with

more professional supports such as MATES

in Construction on 0800 111 315.

5 SIMPLE STEPS TO HELP YOU MANAGE STRESS


As we head back to site we want to remind everyone to remember that if you are struggling or recognise that you are not travelling well, it is okay, because it’s okay NOT to be okay, but its NOT okay to do nothing about it.

Go through the steps below to help you de- stress.

This will give you the time and skills to manage your feelings and emotions more easily.

MATES HELPING MATES

Need a chat?

0800 111 315 or free text 5353 / www.mates.net.nz

SELF-CARE GUIDE

National helplines open 24/7:

Mates in Construction 24/7 Helpline: 0800 111 315 (text 5353)


Lifeline 0800 543 354 (text 4357)


In an emergency dial 111 if you or someone you know is at risk of harm.

• Go with the person to the nearest hospital emergency department

• Phone your local DHB Mental Health Crisis team

• Free phone or text 1737 to communicate with a counsellor

BE KIND TO YOURSELF Have reasonable expectations of yourself. If you feel like you are struggling remember that we have been dealing with unusual and unique times. This has caused stress and anxiety in the community which can affect your mental health and wellbeing. Be aware of the strain you may have been under and don’t beat yourself up if you are not firing on all cylinders.

TAKE TIME FOR SELF-CARE In times of increased stress self-care must increase to counter the negative effects on your mental wellbeing. Ensure that you make time and create opportunities to do healthy things that make you feel good. This may be outdoor activities, hobbies, sports or spending quality time with friends or family.

DEVELOP YOUR KEY RELATIONSHIPS Take time to develop the most important connections you have with people. Create time for your relationships. Be kind and share how much you appreciate those valued relationships. These special human connections will then thrive, bringing you joy.

REMOVE NEGATIVE INFLUENCES IN YOUR LIFE Negative people and harmful activities can bring us down and affect our mental wellbeing. Surround yourself with happy and positive people who are positive and supportive. Avoid doing activities which you know to be harmful to your wellbeing.

EAT, DRINK AND SLEEP HEALTHILY A healthy diet, good hydration and sleep are fundamental for positive mental health and wellbeing. Look after your physical health and good mental health will follow.

Need to talk now? 0800 111 315 or free text 5353

www.mates.net.nz


CHANGES IN BEHAVIOUR that you or a mate might be displaying. These are not one-off incidences, but rather happening more often than usual.


It’s okay not to be okay, but it’s not okay to do nothing about it.Sometimes what might be happening for us might require more help.

Talk to a mate, or call us at MATES in Construction on 0800 111 315 or free text 5353. We are available 24/7 for free confidential service.

Other helplines available 24/7:


Lifeline 0800 543 354 (text 4357)


usually easy going







coming to work late



usually talkative

usually sociable

mental health and support guide for …...guide for induction returning to work after covid-19...

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