May 14, 2025
Welcome to another instalment of our mental health blog series from the British Drilling Association (BDA). In this issue, we take a deeper look at a subject that still doesn’t get the airtime it deserves: the silence around mental health in our industry — and how we can start to shift it.
For too long, mental health has been whispered about, hidden behind bravado and hard hats. But those days are numbered. It’s time for a cultural shift – one that breaks through the silence and brings mental health into everyday conversations, both on-site and off.
The Silence That Still Exists
Let’s be honest: we’ve made progress. Mental health is no longer the taboo it once was — but in industries like drilling, silence still lingers.
Whether it’s out of fear of being judged, concerns about job security, or the deeply ingrained belief that we should just “crack on,” many workers still keep their mental health struggles to themselves. The problem? What stays hidden can’t be helped.
And this silence isn’t harmless — it holds people back from speaking up, seeking support, and feeling safe in their workplace. That’s why this conversation is not just important — it’s essential.
What Is Stigma – And Why Does It Keep Us Quiet?
At its core, stigma is a set of negative beliefs that leads to shame, fear, or discrimination. It’s when someone with a mental health condition is seen as “less than” or “weak.” In our sector, where strength and toughness are part of the job, it’s no wonder that admitting to mental health struggles can feel like a risk.
This stigma shows up in many ways:
The impact is real. And it’s not just personal — it affects safety, morale, and performance across the whole organisation.
Why It Matters in Drilling
The drilling industry is demanding — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Long shifts, high-risk environments, and time away from home can all take a toll. Add in the pressure to stay “tough,” and it’s no surprise that many in our industry struggle quietly.
But we’re at a pivotal moment. If we can shift the silence — if we can create workplaces where mental health is talked about openly and supportively — we can protect our people and strengthen our industry.
How Do We Shift the Silence?
Changing a culture of silence takes effort. It takes leadership. And it takes all of us being willing to have open, honest conversations.
Here’s how we can move the needle:
Mental health should be woven into your health and safety strategy — not tacked on as an afterthought. Make it clear that mental wellbeing matters just as much as physical safety. This sends a powerful message from the top down: you can speak up and still belong.
It starts with one conversation. Ask twice if someone says they’re “fine.” Use open questions. Avoid judgemental language. Being genuinely present for someone, even just for five minutes, can be the turning point that stops silence in its tracks.
When workers feel like they can’t speak up, stress builds, isolation grows, and the risk of mistakes increases. The longer the silence, the deeper the impact. We need to create environments where people don’t feel they have to pretend everything’s OK.
Culture change starts at the top. Leaders who are willing to talk about mental health — including their own challenges — give others permission to do the same. Show empathy. Offer support. Encourage open dialogue in team meetings, toolbox talks, and check-ins.
We talk openly about back injuries and PPE — so why not anxiety, stress, or burnout? Treat mental health like physical health. Make it part of your day-to-day operations, training, and site safety messages.
The more we understand mental health, the less power stigma holds. Use training sessions, awareness days, and toolbox talks to educate your teams about the signs, symptoms, and support available. Knowledge turns silence into understanding.
When leaders and managers share personal experiences — or simply make it clear that it’s OK to ask for help — it helps dismantle the idea that speaking up is weak. Check in regularly with your teams. Make time for non-work chats. Show that you care.
It’s not enough to talk the talk. Organisations should provide tangible support like Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), confidential counselling, and mental health first aiders. And most importantly, make sure your staff know these resources exist and how to use them.
Change won’t happen overnight — but it will happen with intention. Use staff feedback, anonymous surveys, and wellbeing metrics to track progress and refine your approach. Shifting the silence is a journey, and listening is key.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Talk, Let’s Listen
The truth is, silence doesn’t keep us safe. It keeps us stuck.
By shifting the silence around mental health in drilling, we’re not just helping individuals — we’re building a stronger, safer, more resilient workforce. One that recognises that asking for help is not a weakness, but a strength.
Let’s make mental health a conversation we want to have. Let’s build sites where people look out for each other. Let’s lead the way in creating a culture where everyone — from the rig to the boardroom — can feel supported, seen, and heard.
Because the real strength of our industry lies not just in what we build — but in how we care for the people who build it.
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