Time to Talk: Addressing Mental Health Challenges in Construction with Tom Milham

Date: Tuesday 04 Feb 2025

In the inaugural episode of the Time to Talk series, Fischer Fixings joins forces with Mates in Mind to explore the profound mental health challenges encountered by construction workers. Featuring Tom Milham from TCM Air Conditioning Services, this first video offers an intimate glimpse into his personal journey, revealing how life events have influenced his mental well-being and deeply intertwined with his career in construction.

The content serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles many face, touching on sensitive issues such as suicidal thoughts, child abuse, and substance misuse. Tom courageously recounts experiences of overwhelming distress, describing poignant moments when he found himself crying alone in his van, burdened by job pressures, unpaid invoices, and excessive workloads.

He poignantly highlights an ingrained culture of isolating feelings within the industry, emphasising that the so-called “man-up” mentality stifles vulnerability and discourages seeking help. Tom articulates the multifaceted psychological toll of unpaid work, long hours, and personal challenges as barriers to maintaining mental health, particularly for those lacking a support network.

Stunning statistics shed light on the gravity of the issue: a staggering 83% of construction workers struggle with mental health, with reports indicating a high prevalence of anxiety and depression—87% and 70%, respectively. Alarmingly, 507 suicides took place among construction workers in 2021 alone, dramatically illustrating that workers are at greater risk of suicide than workplace accidents, exacerbated when mental health declines.

To combat these alarming trends, Mates in Mind is dedicated to raising awareness and providing crucial support for mental health within the construction sector. Fischer Fixings is working collaboratively with the charity, focusing on fundraising to establish helplines, webinars, and HR guidance to create a safer workplace environment for all.

In the face of this urgent need, Tom encourages openness, urging others to share their struggles without shame, reinforcing that support is available and that others face similar battles. He advocates for accessible resources, whether through social media, informative webinars, or direct phone lines, to ensure everyone feels less isolated.

If you or someone you know is grappling with mental health issues, remember, you are not alone. Reach out to Mates in Mind at @matesinmind472 or access 24/7 support by texting "BeAMate" to 85258, where trained volunteers stand ready to assist with anxiety, stress, loneliness, or depression.

Read the full article here: https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/health-safety-news/time-to-talk-ep-1-interview-tom-milham/147667/

In the video below, Fischer Fixings sit down with Tom Milham from TCM Air Conditioning Services to discuss some of the most critical mental health challenges faced by workers in the construction industry

In this first video of a 5-part series, Tom discusses his life story, significant events that have shaped him and affected his mental health, and how having poor mental health interacts with his construction career.

Content warning: This video discusses topics of suicidal thoughts, child abuse, and substance abuse.