Mental health is a topic that features heavily in the news these days. In this podcast we interview Michael Weston, an advocate & keynote speaker around mental health providing both the public and workplaces with an insight into his personal life experience, whilst highlighting the importance of mental health and wellbeing.
Michael worked in the Western Australian mining industry for twenty years, when one day back in 2013 (ready for work), he was found by his neighbour, unconscious and not breathing. 
Whilst Michael survived, he spent the next two years searching for a diagnosis and answers to why he couldn't function as well as he had prior to the incident. As doctors and specialists began investigating further, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and an acquired brain injury (ABI) were diagnosed. The conclusion they came to was that work and a stressful work environment had contributed to his collapse, and so this episode may resonate with many of those who might be suffering similar conditions in the workplace.
KEY TAKEAWAYS

Michael spent many years working in the mining industry in Australia, in some of the most high-pressured and diverse sectors. But although the stress was high, Michael loved the job.
One of the first signs that Michael was not doing well, was the change in his personality. His wife noticed to begin with, and commented that he wasn’t acting like himself. Soon afterwards, Michael was found collapsed, face-down on his driveway.
The problem is that many people don’t receive physical warning signs when a collapse is imminent. Lack of concentration, and mindfulness, is often put down to simple fatigue, instead of being treated as a major warning beacon.
Ultimately, Michael’s body refused to cooperate with his mind and shut itself down. Michael’s state of mind was seriously deteriorating, and had taken far too much on in the workplace.
Anxiety and depression manifest early, and should always be discussed. Treatment should be sought as soon as possible, in order to prevent collapse and subsequent health issues.
The first place to admit you’re feeling overwhelmed is at work. Tell your workplace that you are feeling consumed, and be honest. 
Finding a work life balance is as essential to lasting happiness as an efficient and healthy workplace. Allowing flexibility, and listening to our staff when they are troubled will save many issues down the line.

.BEST MOMENTS
’There was a bit of gold at the end of the tunnel’
‘Red isn’t always bad’
‘I need to get to work. I’m going to be late for a meeting…'
‘We were all under the pump’
‘You’ve got to put your hand up for help’
VALUABLE RESOURCES
 
Dig Deep – The Mining Podcast on iTunes
www.michaelweston.com.au
Michael Weston LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelweston1/?originalSubdomain=au
Michael Weston Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MichaelWestonBrainInjury
Michael Weston Twitter - https://twitter.com/michaelweston26
ABOUT THE HOST
Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight to peoples experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics.
 
Rob is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first world to third world countries from Africa, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia. We source, headhunt and discover new and top talent talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients organisation in any mining discipline or level. Mining International pro