The Imperfectly Perfect Campaign: Unmasking Mental Health Struggles in the Construction Industry

When Glenn Marsden, the founder of the Imperfectly Perfect Campaign, first stepped into the construction industry whilst building the Imperfectly Perfect Campaign, he witnessed firsthand the gruelling hours and demanding work schedules that many in the industry endure. Working long hours with often only one day off a week, the toll on workers' mental health is significant and often goes unnoticed. This revelation spurred Marsden to extend the reach of his campaign to an industry that is vital yet overlooked when it comes to mental health support.

The Harsh Realities of the Construction Industry

The construction industry is known for its physically demanding work, strict deadlines, and high-pressure environment. Workers often face hazardous conditions, long hours, and job insecurity, all of which contribute to a high level of stress and mental fatigue. These challenges are compounded by a cultural stigma around discussing mental health, making it difficult for workers to seek help.

Alarming Statistics

The mental health crisis in the construction industry is reflected in sobering statistics. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates among all occupations. A study found that male construction workers are four times more likely to die by suicide than the general male population.

In the UK, the Office for National Statistics reported that male construction workers had the highest number of suicides of any profession, with 3.7 times the national average. Furthermore, a survey by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) found that 26% of construction professionals experienced work-related stress, while 58% reported that their mental health had been affected by working in the industry.

The Impact of Long Hours and Limited Time Off

One of the most significant factors contributing to mental health issues in the construction industry is the demanding work schedule. Workers often put in long hours, with many working six days a week and only getting one day off. This relentless schedule leaves little time for rest, family, or self-care, leading to burnout, anxiety, and depression.

A study by Construction Industry Rehabilitation Plan found that 70% of construction workers experienced stress, anxiety, or depression due to their job. The same study revealed that 56% of workers had used medication or alcohol to cope with stress, highlighting the need for better mental health support and resources within the industry.

Breaking the Stigma

One of the biggest challenges in addressing mental health in the construction industry is breaking the stigma associated with it. There is often a "tough guy" mentality, where workers feel they need to appear strong and resilient, making it difficult to admit to struggling with mental health issues. This stigma prevents many from seeking the help they need, exacerbating the problem.

Steps Toward Improvement

Addressing mental health in the construction industry requires a multifaceted approach:

1. Raising Awareness: Campaigns like Imperfectly Perfect play a crucial role in raising awareness and breaking down stigmas.

2. Providing Support: Industry organizations need to offer accessible mental health resources, including counseling and support groups.

3. Promoting Work-Life Balance: Encouraging a healthier work-life balance can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

4. Fostering Open Conversations: Creating an environment where open conversations about mental health are encouraged and normalized.

5. Training and Education: Providing training for managers and supervisors to recognize signs of mental health issues and how to support their workers effectively.

The Imperfectly Perfect Campaign’s efforts to shine a light on the mental health struggles in the construction industry are vital in creating a safer and more supportive work environment. By addressing the unique challenges faced by construction workers and promoting open conversations about mental health, the campaign is helping to break down barriers and provide much-needed support to those who build our world.

Speaking on Mental Health with Younger Children: A Guide for Parents and Educators

Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and it’s never too early to start the conversation with younger children. With rising awareness about the importance of mental health, parents and educators are seeking effective ways to discuss this topic with kids in a manner that is both understandable and supportive. Here’s how to approach speaking about mental health with younger children:

Understanding the Importance

Starting the conversation about mental health early helps children develop a healthy understanding of their emotions, learn coping mechanisms, and build resilience. It also reduces the stigma surrounding mental health, making it easier for them to seek help if they ever need it.

Age-Appropriate Conversations

When discussing mental health with younger children, it's essential to tailor the conversation to their developmental level:

1. Preschoolers (Ages 3-5):

   • Use Simple Language: Explain feelings in basic terms. For example, "Sometimes we feel happy, and sometimes we feel sad. It's okay to feel different emotions."

   • Identify Emotions: Help them label their emotions by using picture books or emotion cards showing different facial expressions.

   • Normalise Feelings: Assure them that everyone feels sad, scared, or angry at times.

2. Elementary School Children (Ages 6-12):

   • Open Dialogues: Encourage them to talk about their feelings. Ask open-ended questions like, "How was your day?" or "What made you feel that way?"

   • Teach Coping Skills: Introduce basic coping strategies, such as deep breathing, drawing, or talking to someone they trust when they feel upset.

   • Use Stories and Examples: Share stories or examples of characters dealing with emotions in healthy ways to help them relate.

Creating a Safe Environment

Children need to feel safe and supported to discuss their feelings. Here are some tips to create such an environment:

• Be Available: Let your child know you are there for them whenever they want to talk.

• Listen Actively: Show genuine interest in their feelings and experiences without interrupting or judging.

• Validate Their Feelings: Acknowledge their emotions, even if they seem trivial to you. Validation helps them feel understood and respected.

Incorporating Mental Health into Daily Activities

Mental health discussions don’t always have to be formal. Incorporate these conversations into everyday activities:

• Storytime: Choose books that address emotions and mental health themes. Discuss the characters' feelings and how they handle different situations.

• Playtime: Use role-playing games to act out scenarios where characters express and manage their emotions.

• Art and Craft: Encourage children to express their feelings through drawing, painting, or crafting.

Promoting Healthy Habits

Teach children healthy habits that support mental well-being:

• Physical Activity: Encourage regular physical activity, as it’s beneficial for both physical and mental health.

• Healthy Eating: Promote balanced nutrition, which can affect mood and energy levels.

• Adequate Sleep: Ensure they get enough sleep, as rest is vital for emotional regulation.

Recognizing When to Seek Help

Sometimes, children may need more support than what can be provided at home or in school. Be vigilant for signs that they might need professional help:

• Persistent sadness or withdrawal

• Excessive worry or fear

• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns

• Frequent tantrums or outbursts

• Difficulty concentrating or declining school performance

If these signs persist, consider consulting a pediatrician, school counselor, or child psychologist.

Talking about mental health with younger children is essential for fostering emotional intelligence and resilience. By using age-appropriate language, creating a supportive environment, and incorporating mental health discussions into daily activities, parents and educators can help children develop a healthy understanding of their emotions. Early conversations about mental health lay the foundation for a lifetime of emotional well-being, ensuring that children grow up feeling understood, supported, and capable of managing their mental health.

Faith Moves Mountains with Kristi Maggio

Kristi Maggio is an entrepreneur in education and author of the award-winning book, “Follows and Likes Is This All That I’m Worth?” and the Amazon New Release Best Seller, “Young Changemakers.”

She is dedicated to creating access to education and employment opportunities worldwide. For over 20 years, she watched many children fail and feel inadequate merely because they didn’t fit into the traditional way of learning.

As a result, she chose to take action and founded a school that gives students the tools to create success in their life no matter who they are or where they come from.

After starting Maggio Multicultural Academy in the Dominican Republic in 2016, Kristi’s mission became clear, to impact the lives of 1 billion youth in the next 10 years by providing an educational program based on entrepreneurship and applied learning.

Boy, has she gone on to do that and more.

She is an international best selling author, a key-note speaker who has spoken on stages worldwide amongst many of todays top corporate leaders such as Naveen Jain, JT Foxx, Evan Carmichael, Forbes Riley to name but a few.

Another episode you don’t want to miss as Kristi shares her story from the huge mission that was placed on her heart, to the journey through entrepreneurship to make it all happen. She delves deep in dispelling ‘highlights’ we see on social media to the reality of working through past triggers and traumas herself, to ultimately become the person she needed to become to achieve what she has today.

Founder Glenn Marsden speaks on the United by Nations Virtual Summit

It was such a huge honour and privilege for our Founder and CEO Glenn Marsden recently to be asked to be a featured speaker crossing live to the USA to speak about his work and the Imperfectly Perfect Campaign Global Efforts for the United by Educations Virtual Sunmit speaking alongside some incredible names including Forbes Riley, JT Fox, Kristi Maggio, Greig Reid, Dr Paul J DeBlanc, Scott Lumley, George Ross, Naveen Jain, Dale Hancock, Doug Vermeeren, Dene Botha, Bruce Pulver and Greg Walker.

To keep up to date with the imperfectly perfect campaign, simply head to our contact us page to sign up for our monthly newsletter.

'Mental Fitness' with Les Mills International Program Directors & Leading Presenters

What an incredible round table discussion with several of the Les Mills International Program Directors and Presenters coming together from around the world with Founder Glenn Marsden discussing their own journeys, their love for fitness to sharing it with the world and why it means so much to them.

Listen in as we hear from Emma Barry calling in from the USA, Dan Cohen and Rachael Newsham calling in from New Zealand, Tommy Gentleman from the UK and Ricky Long from Ireland. From gracing world stages in front of hundreds of thousands of people, to being seen as the epitome of Fitness on publications and events, listen as we hear what it has and continues to be like behind the scenes.

With the ImperfectlyPerfect Podcast being backed up with International guests, this episode was recorded at the height of the pandemic so we also hear how each guest managed to deal with their own mental health during a time of lock down. To find out more about the ImperfectlyPerfect Podcast, our Global Efforts and how you can get involved, become an official sponsors, book our workshops or make a contribution to our efforts, simply click the link below:

https://linktr.ee/imperfectlyperfectcampaign

A big thank you to our Voice Over: Mike Christensen (thevoicemonkey.com)

'The Struggles That Come With Endometriosis' with Julie Snook and Mel Greig

Endometriosis is a common disease in which the tissue that is similar to the lining of the womb grows outside it in other parts of the body and affects affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, with an estimated 176 million women worldwide having the condition. This episode founder Glenn Marsden chats to TV and Radio Personalities Julie Snook and Mel Greig as we hear all about the struggles and issues around this common disease which still has no cure and their personal journey and struggle with the disease. We hear how it can affect your mental health especially if you are undiagnosed and just how hard it is to open up to people so they can understand just how much endometriosis takes over your life.

To find out more about Julie and Mel, simply head to their socials via: @julie_snook / @melgreig_ To find out more about the Imperfectly Perfect Campaign, our Global Efforts and how you can find out about becoming an official sponsor, simply head to our official website at: imperfectlyperfectcampaign.org

A big thank you to our voice-over: Mike Christensen (thevoicemonkey.com)

'I hadnt made my lifes mistakes yet, but when I did it was Public Knowledge' with Natasha Hamilton

Listen to this episode from ImperfectlyPerfect Podcast on Spotify. Natasha Hamilton is a TV Personality, Actress, Businesswoman and Singer best known for being one-third of Atomic Kitten, one of the UK's most internationally successful girl groups of the last 20 years, selling over 10 million records worldwide.

Natasha Hamilton is a TV Personality, Actress, Businesswoman and Singer best known for being one-third of Atomic Kitten, one of the UK’s most internationally successful girl groups of the last 20 years, selling over 10 million records worldwide.

The group celebrated numerous global number one singles and albums while they dominated the charts throughout their pop reign.

Atomic Kitten were a tornado of inimitable talent that attracted numerous prestigious gigs, including performing for royalty. They sang alongside global superstars and toured the world.

This weeks episode; Founder Glenn Marsden had such an amazing chat with Natasha where we hear all about her incredible career from signing a record deal at 16, leaving home to be a part of a pop band and travel the world to experiencing massive learning curves at such a young age, very publicly, how at times it felt like a pressure cooker, and how her mental health suffered along the journey.

We hear about Natasha's battles with post natal depression with two of her pregnancies and how cognitive behavioural therapy revolutionised her life to the point she used her platform and advocacy to build a wellness business, Live Better Wellness, around exogenous ketones, mindset and education.

You can follow Natasha on her social media platforms for her candid and honest accounts of her life’s highs and lows and the free support Natasha offers to her community @natashahamilton / @livebetterwithnatasha

You can also head to her official website at: https://www.livebetterwithnatasha.com

A big thank you to our Podcast Voice-Over: Mike Christenson (thevoicemonkey.com)