Let’s not stuff around—mining is tough. FIFO or DIDO, underground or surface, you're constantly in a pressure cooker: long hours, isolation, busted sleep, and the quiet war going on in your own head. And here’s the blunt truth: if you don’t maintain your mental health like you do your gear, you’ll break down.
No one’s coming with a spanner to fix your brain if it seizes up.
This post isn’t about some airy-fairy “self-care” trend—it’s about five real, practical mental maintenance hacks you can start now. Small fixes that’ll keep you running smoother, longer.
1. Start the Day With a "Mental Toolbox Check"
You wouldn’t start a shift without checking your gear. So why treat your head any different?
Before you hit the floor, ask yourself:
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How’s my headspace today?
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Did I sleep like shit?
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Am I already snapping at blokes for no reason?
You don’t need to solve it all—just acknowledge it. That’s your first step. According to Beyond Blue, men who regularly check in with their mental state are 40% less likely to reach crisis point.
Fix: Take 2 minutes before crib. Sit. Breathe. No phone. Just check in with you.
2. Don’t Drink to Cope—That’s a Shortcut to a Breakdown
Yeah, knocking the top off a few after shift is normal. But if you're drinking to numb out or forget the day, that’s a red flag.
Research from the Black Dog Institute shows that FIFO workers have twice the rate of risky alcohol use compared to the general population. It’s a slippery slope from "just a beer" to "I can't sleep without a six-pack."
Fix: Swap 3 beers a week for a walk, a phone call home, or even just stretching your back out. Doesn’t sound like much, but those small swaps build momentum.
3. Talk—Even if It’s Just One Mate
Think blokes don't talk about mental health? Think again. The strongest thing you can do is open your mouth when your brain's weighing you down.
One chat with a trusted mate, a supervisor, or even the site EAP (yeah, those guys) can stop the spiral. The earlier you talk, the easier it is to course-correct.
Stats don’t lie: Men who regularly connect with at least one close mate are up to 50% less likely to report suicidal thoughts (Australian Men’s Health Forum).
Fix: Make a habit of checking in with one mate each swing. Doesn’t have to be deep. Just start the convo.
4. Respect the Recharge Time
Being away from home wrecks your rhythm. Your body clock, your social life, your sleep—all out of whack. You come back from swing, and instead of resting, you hit the piss, cram in too much, or just shut off entirely.
That’s not recovery—that’s delaying the breakdown.
Fix: Use the first 24 hours back for you. Sleep in. Eat something green. Hug your kids. Go outside. If you don’t refill the tank, you’re heading back to site running on fumes.
5. Know the Early Warning Signs
Mental breakdowns don’t happen overnight. They creep up—like a machine rattling for weeks before it fails.
Common signs:
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Constant fatigue, even after sleeping
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Snapping at people over nothing
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Not giving a shit about stuff you used to enjoy
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Thoughts of “what’s the point?”
Fix: Spot it early, and act early. Don’t wait until your partner’s crying or you’re having a panic attack in the crib room.
And here’s the kicker: getting help isn’t weakness—it’s maintenance. Same way you’d lock-tag a busted pump, you’ve got to pull yourself out and fix what’s not working.
Final Word
You wouldn’t run a loader into the ground without oil or maintenance, so why do it to yourself? This life is tough—but you’re tougher. Mental maintenance is just part of staying in the game. No fluff. No bullshit. Just you, looking after you.
Start with one small fix today.
Because breakdowns don’t book themselves in—they just hit hard when you least expect it.
Organizations in Australia that focus on men's mental health include:
- MensLine Australia: an online counselling and forum for men — call 1300 78 99 78
- Dads In Distress: a peer support for separated dads — call 1300 853 437
- SANE Australia: for people living with a mental illness — call 1800 18 7263 or chat online
- Beyond Blue: has health resources specifically designed for men — call 1300 22 4636
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