Stress is a normal part of life, but in the drilling industry it often presents itself in unique and demanding ways. Historically, a “tough it out” mentality has influenced how challenges are handled, sometimes discouraging individuals from seeking the support they need. Working as a driller, driller helper, or in other roles within the exploration industry can be a highly rewarding and fulfilling career with many opportunities. However, it can also come unique challenges, including long rotations, remote job sites, physically demanding work, and extended time away from friends and family.
A study found that 28.4% of miners reported experiencing mild to moderate distress, and 9.6% experience high levels of distress. In other words, this means that a significant number of workers are dealing with stress, whether it is visible or not. These specific challenges for the industry can build up over time, especially when workers feel the pressure to stay tough and push through without talking about how they are feeling, which is why it is so important to Bring these Conversations to the Surface.
Raising awareness about stress is not only important for personal well-being but also for workplace safety. High stress can impact focus, decision-making, and reaction time, which can increase the risk of potential lost time incidents on site. Stress can also cause strains on the dynamic of your team which doesn’t just affect individuals, it impacts the entire crew.
Recognizing the signs of stress is a key step in managing it. Some physical signs of stress can include headaches, muscle tension, chronic fatigue, digestive issues, and more. Stress can also cause emotional and behavioral effects such as anxiety, irritability, depression, and feelings of being overwhelmed. However, it can also affect some people “silently”, where externally they may look like they are coping well, but internally they are struggling with significant emotional distress. That is why checking in with yourself and your crew is so important.
Breaking the stigma around stress and mental health is at the core of the Bring It To The Surface initiative. We are striving to create a culture where speaking up, asking for help, and admitting “I am not okay” is normal and encouraged. Having more open conversations can help to normalize stress and remind everyone that they do not have to carry it alone.
Working in the diamond drilling industry can lead to a long and rewarding career, offering many unique benefits such as opportunities to travel across Canada, experience in diverse and remote exploration sites, building strong connections with people across the country, and even work internationally. While these experiences are incredibly valuable, it’s important to regularly check in with yourself to ensure you’re maintaining your well-being.
There are practical ways to reduce and manage stress on and off the site. Maintaining a constant routine, prioritizing sleep, staying active on your days off, and frequently connecting with family and friends are all powerful tools to reduce stress. Additionally, simple breath work exercises such as taking five slow deep breaths, can help to reduce immediate stress and tension within the body. If you are experiencing any signs of stress, you can find mental health resources on the CDDA website under the Bring It To The Surface tab. Together, we can bring it to the surface to create a safer and healthier future in the exploration industry, supporting drillers and all those involved to make the most of this rewarding career.
