FIFO + Mental Health
It only took me one month on an 8/6 roster to fall into a deep state of depression…..
…and that was the roster I had been DREAMING of ever since I started FIFO (fly in, fly out in the Mining Industry) work 2 years prior… but everything else in my life was going splendidly at the time - what was wrong with me?
Crying in my donga (small, portable dormitory) every night, having a couple of smokes every night to bring me some "comfort".
Even though I had the dream roster and financial freedom, why was I totally miserable?
If it were only that simple.
We, as humans actually require a lot more than 14 days off in a month (if you're a lucky one) and a great salary to feel happy, complete, fulfilled and THRIVE.
We need to feel CONNECTION.
Connection to our work - satisfaction, feeling like we're actually making a difference, doing work in line with our own values.
We need HUMAN Connection - meaningful time shared with our "tribe", people that really get us, not being locked up in a "cell" every night.
Connection to a deeper part of ourselves, our integrity + meaningful values – if you have worked FIFO, the majority of you would agree that the mentality, vibe and energy out on site is far from inspirational and wholesome.
But just as I did, a FIFO worker is probably thinking - "What's wrong with me? Why am I not happy?"
There is nothing wrong with you, you are not broken - you are a HUMAN BEING!
FIFO work for me was a novelty at the start, and I am so grateful to have had the experience, but can now look back so clearly and see where so much of who I was/am as a person was misaligned in that work and that industry and how there is SO much wrong with this lifestyle.
I honestly feel it is the perfect recipe for depression.
My heart goes out to all FIFO workers who are feeling this and feel trapped as I've been there, and it took a big leap of courage to leave that work and lifestyle.
I'm saddened to hear of SO many suicides of FIFO workers, all these "figures" (precious lives!) that are swept under the carpet. I believe there is a lot more education and awareness that needs to be shared about the damaging effects of FIFO work and mental health.
Yes, this work is a choice, but my voice is here to encourage those who don't feel aligned with their work (FIFO or not), to start looking at what is truly valuable in your life and to then EMPOWER those who are feeling this call to start taking big leaps to reclaim your truth.
What are you truly aligned with (on a Soul level) and NOT aligned with?
What are you tolerating (or doing your best to try and tolerate)?
and what are you sacrificing in order to live this lifestyle?
Yes, this can be a hard process, it requires a lot of soul searching, being real with ourselves and deconditioning from what we have have previously thought and felt was of value to us.
If you feel totally fulfilled, connected and thriving in a FIFO lifestyle - FANTASTIC, but if you don't, I encourage you to look a bit deeper.
This blog is not to shame any FIFO workers - it is to gain awareness and prompt for those who don't feel aligned to look a bit deeper…and this goes for ALL types of work you may be engaged in.
I'd love to hear from you if this resonates with you and know that I am here for support. You can learn more about me and my journey here.
If this does resonate with you, I highly recommend you read Lost Connections by Johann Hari where he describes the reasons behind Depression and Anxiety, through many years of study and research.
Much love
Bel x
