The fourth episode of Time to Talk interviews Lauren Harrison from ECI Software Solutions
Content warning: This video discusses topics of suicidal thoughts.
Lauren Harrison works as a customer relationship manager for ECI Software Solutions, where she has worked with tools and building materials.
She describes her journey through mental health in the workplace, having been diagnosed with mental health issues from an early age.
Mental health affected Lauren before she was 10
Lauren discloses very early on that, due to a medical condition her mother had, she was diagnosed with depression and anxiety at five years old. In the years since then, she’s struggled with eating disorders, addiction, manic-depressive episodes, and ADHD.
She says that in that time, she has never seen many of these issues (manic episodes, psychotic episodes, etc.) been portrayed as in a positive light as they are now. This is important to her having experienced issues like that, and not being able to discuss it openly.
She then emphasises the importance of opening up about it to people who are struggling with these issues, especially younger people who may not fully understand what is happening and getting support early.
Lauren echoes many of the needs for poor mental health in construction
Lauren speaks about the support she received from her workplace, having disclosed to them her potential need to be signed off work or have further days off work in preparation for regular therapy sessions, after which she may not be in a state fit for work.
In several places in the construction industry, support for mental health can be lacking, with a study in 2021 revealing: “This occupational group is usually higher than average for suicides, but the sharp rise and widening gap over the period analysed, in contrast to their non-manual colleagues, is concerning and may indicate recent initiatives are not reaching these more vulnerable sectors of the industry.”
More recent data has shown that mental health issues are affecting over 70% of the 1.2m construction workers in the UK, and 7,000 workers have committed suicide in the last decade.
Mates in Mind: Support for poor mental health in construction
Mates in Mind is a charity that promotes awareness and tackling issues of poor mental health in the construction industry, and Fischer Fixings is working closely with the charity for the same goals by fundraising to provide helplines, webinars and HR support. These videos are part of their campaign to better the construction industry, and make it a safer workplace for all.
To support their mission of breaking down mental health stigma in our industry, please consider donating through the JustGiving page. https://tinyurl.com/mwwr2w9f
If you or someone you know is suffering, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK on 0800 689 5652.
You can also use the “BeAMate” text support service by texting “BeAMate” to 85258. Trained volunteers can help with issues including anxiety, stress, loneliness or depression and are available 24/7.
In a life-threatening emergency, always call 999.
