“The Underground Struggle: Mental Health in the Darkness—Literally”

Published on 15 June 2025 at 08:30

Working underground messes with your head in ways most people above ground will never understand.

Twelve-hour shifts in confined tunnels. No natural light. Breathing stale air. Day in, day out. That environment doesn’t just wear down your body—it drags your mental state with it.

This isn’t about being soft. It’s about biology, psychology, and plain reality.

Darkness Isn’t Just Physical—It’s Mental

Underground miners often face:

  • Zero exposure to sunlight for days or weeks

  • Chronic fatigue from shift work and poor sleep

  • Emotional distance from family and real life back home

  • Pressure to perform under dangerous, high-risk conditions

What that creates is the perfect storm for depression, anxiety, burnout, and in too many cases—complete breakdown.

A Beyond Blue report found that FIFO and DIDO workers are:

  • Twice as likely to experience depression

  • More than three times as likely to have suicidal thoughts

  • Far less likely to reach out for help until they’re already deep in it

Throw underground conditions into the mix and the risks double. Lack of sunlight means your body produces less serotonin and vitamin D—two key ingredients for keeping your mood stable and brain functioning properly.

How to Know When You're Slipping

It creeps up quietly. You might still be showing up, still getting the job done—but inside, things are starting to break.

Here’s what that looks like:

  • You’re tired all the time—even after sleep

  • You’ve got a short fuse over small stuff

  • You’re drinking more just to “take the edge off”

  • You feel numb—even around your kids or partner

  • You stop giving a shit about the things that used to matter

Those aren’t “off days.” That’s mental strain turning into something worse.

What Actually Helps

These aren’t feel-good tips—they’re tools that actually move the needle:

  • Get light exposure. Even on R&R, get outside early in the day. Natural light resets your internal clock and lifts your mood.

  • Move your body. No, not a gym membership. Just consistent movement. Walking. Stretching. Lifting something that’s not part of the job.

  • Talk. Not when you’re “at rock bottom”—before that. Mates, family, or a professional. Silence kills.

  • Limit the booze. Alcohol gives short-term relief and long-term damage. Especially to your sleep and mental clarity.

  • Track how you feel. Doesn’t have to be deep. Just note if you're better or worse each week. Spot patterns. Do something about them early.

No One Hands You This in the Pre-Start

The underground life will test your limits. But there are ways to stay ahead of the mental crash. It’s not about quitting the job—it’s about staying in the game without losing your head.

You don’t have to fight the dark alone. You just have to stop pretending it’s not there.

 


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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