So, How Are YOU Doing?

Crazy times we're living, right? I've decided not to comment on the issues because there has been such a flood of information out there and I've seen no need to add to it unless it was necessary. I have been monitoring the social media traffic though, and have been noticing a trend that, at least for me, is worrisome. As a construction safety professional, I also see this on my projects and the teams I am a member of at work.

I've noticed a lot of sarcasm, spitefulness, short responses and an overall negativity in many of the post comments and other discussions I observe and take part in. This change in tone can be an indicator that someone needs help. Safety and project management personnel are under intense pressure at the moment to provide safe workplaces, support company efforts, answer questions and disseminate accurate and timely information.

On the other hand, craft workers are scared. Keeping the recommended 6-foot distance is not always practical, or possible in construction work. Think of drywall hangers placing ceiling panels. These guys are on a scaffold, holding and securing a heavy piece of material overhead. The macho mentality in construction adds fuel to the fire. "We don't complain, we're tough people doing tough work." Have you heard that before?

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear." – Franklin D. Roosevelt

I learned many years ago that no one is immune to burnout. Following are some cues to look for to determine where your mindset is and whether you may need to reach out for support.

  • Increased Reactivity: I feel on edge, things that used to not bother me are frustrating me, I'm irritable and short with my loved ones and colleagues, I'm noticing a sense of resentment for people "wasting my time."
  • Foggy Thinking: My thinking isn't as crisp and clear as it usually is, it's taking me longer than usual to make decisions, small decisions are feeling overwhelming, I'm becoming forgetful, I'm misplacing things.
  • Decreased Energy: I feel more fatigued than I usually do, I'm having to "will" my way through meetings and conversations, I don't have energy to pursue things I'm interested in.
  • Depersonalization: I'm not emotionally connected in relationships like I usually am, I feel like I'm checking the block to have informal conversations with teammates.
  • Emotional Detachment: I feel numb and shut down emotionally, I'm less compassionate and empathetic for others, I don't have patience to connect on an emotional level with others.
  • Increased Escapist Activities: I'm finding myself pulled to social media, alcohol, binge watching and any number of activities that allow me to disengage in a way that is impacting negatively on my productivity and isn't energy creating.
  • Insomnia: I'm struggling to sleep and am waking up in the middle of the night with my mind racing, I'm waking up feeling tired.
  • Cynicism: I'm noticing increased negativity and judgement towards others or myself.
  • Physical: I feel "off" — examples, indigestion, nausea, dizziness, headaches, loss of appetite.
  • Loss of Enjoyment: Things that used to give me joy and pleasure don't have the same sense of meaning to me.
  • Malaise: I feel "down" and a generalized sense of sadness.

If you identify with any of these statements, please reach out for help. Many companies have set up methods to address these issues internally. If your company has not done so, the CDC offers information and resources on managing stress and anxiety. You can also talk with a friend, family member or, if you are so inclined, reach out to me or pick up a copy of my book, Unburdened: 5 Honest Lessons from a Recovering Stress Junkie. If you or someone you know needs immediate help, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

There is nothing better to test a person's mettle than a crisis. We all like to think that we can keep "cool under fire"; and then the fire rages. There is nothing wrong with feeling overwhelmed, or tired, or even afraid of what may be. Keep tabs on your feelings and ask yourself: are you trying to do it all alone, or are you open, willing and able to seek help?

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