FIFO worker mental health is impacted by some common themes and findings which Allied Health for Wellness have researched in order to better understand the FIFO lifestyle and the support needs of the FIFO worker in relation to their mental health, wellbeing, and relationships.
Fly-in fly-out (FIFO) employment has become increasingly common in various industries, especially in remote mining and construction projects across Australia. While this work structure offers numerous personal and financial benefits, it often comes with significant challenges that can affect both physical and mental health. Despite the attention given to managing the physical demands of FIFO work, we often overlook the profound mental toll it can take on individuals, their families and their relationships.
Mental Health Challenges
- Isolation and loneliness: Physical separation from loved ones and support networks can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, depression, and anxiety.
- Burnout and stress: The often demanding FIFO schedules, alternating between intensive work periods and short breaks, can lead to high levels of stress or eventual burnout and a decreased quality of life.
Relationship and Intimacy Strains
- Communication Breakdowns: Extended absences can strain even the strongest relationships, causing communication breakdowns and emotional distance.
- Intimacy Issues: Couples may find it challenging to maintain a close and affectionate bond amidst the physical separation and the stresses of reunion periods.
Family Dynamics
- Family Role Adjustments: Partners of FIFO workers may feel unsupported and burdened with managing household and family duties alone.
- Reintegration Challenges: The cyclical nature of working long stints away and then returning home can disrupt social connections, creating a sense of disconnection. FIFO workers also often struggle with the pressure to reintegrate into family life during their off periods, which can be both stressful and overwhelming for all household members.
Workplace Factors
- Workplace Culture: A supportive workplace culture that prioritises mental health can mitigate some of the negative impacts of FIFO work.
- Bullying and Stigma: Bullying and stigma within the workplace are significant issues that negatively affect the mental health of FIFO workers.
Support and Coping Strategies
- Psychological Support: Counselling and psychological support are essential for helping FIFO workers and their families manage the lifestyle’s mental and emotional challenges.
- Peer Support: Having a supportive peer network can play a beneficial role in maintaining mental health and wellbeing among FIFO workers
Insights from Research
According to Dr Sharon Parker, lead researcher at Curtin University, “FIFO workers face unique mental health challenges due to the nature of their work. It is essential to provide them with targeted FIFO worker mental health support to mitigate the risks of anxiety and depression”
A FIFO worker from the study shared, “The hardest part is coming back home and trying to fit back into family life. It feels like I’m living two separate lives, and it’s tough to reconnect every time”
(Curtin University espace Publication 95166).
Kylie Thomas, Registered Psychologist and Sexologist at Allied Health for Wellness advised, “Research shows that Cortisol, a stress hormone, can lower a person’s desire, resulting in a deprioritisation of pleasure and intimacy, and a decrease in sexual currency in the relationship making it easier for couples to ‘lose the spark’ and become more like best friends than lovers.”
Our Support Services
At Allied Health for Wellness, we understand these unique challenges and offer specialised FIFO worker mental heath support to help both FIFO workers or their partners navigate this lifestyle. Our experienced team of counsellors, psychologists and dedicated sexologist, provides tailored counselling services to address the emotional and relational impacts of FIFO employment.
Take the First Step
Allied Health for Wellness invite you to reach out for a free 10-minute discovery session with one of our practitioners. This initial consultation can provide valuable insights into how our support can benefit you and your family. With personalised strategies and professional guidance, we are here to support you to manage and overcome the challenges of the FIFO lifestyle.
You can also seek further advice and a referral under a mental health care plan from your GP, which may provide you access to Medicare rebates on our consultation fee. Private health funds may also offer rebates, making professional support more accessible.
Don’t let the demands of FIFO work compromise your mental health and relationships. Our support can help you strengthen your resilience, improve your relationships, and enhance your overall wellbeing. Connect with Allied Health for Wellness today and take the first step towards a balanced and fulfilling life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How does FIFO work affect mental health?
A: The physical separation from family and friends can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, depression, and anxiety, disrupting social connections and creating a sense of disconnection.
Q: What impact does FIFO work have on relationships and intimacy?
A: Extended absences can strain relationships, causing communication breakdowns and emotional distance. Intimacy can suffer, with couples finding it challenging to maintain a close and affectionate bond.
Q: How can Allied Health for Wellness help FIFO workers and their families?
A: Allied Health for Wellness offers specialised counselling services to address the emotional and relational impacts of FIFO employment in individuals and their families or support networks.
Q: What type of services can Allied Health for Wellness provide?
A: Allied Health for Wellness offer a range of counselling and psychology services that can support clients to develop strategies for managing stress and anxiety, improving work life balance, enhancing communication or fostering intimacy, just to name a few.
Q: What is a Sexologist?
A: A sexologist is someone who has trained in the field of human sexuality and can provide a confidential, supportive, non-judgemental and safe environment to navigate and overcome sexual concerns in order to start enjoying more fulfilling sexual experiences. Our sexologists are members of the Society of Australian Sexologists and adhere to the Society’s Code of Ethics and Practice.
Sources:
- Curtin University: espace Impact of FIFO work arrangements on the mental health and wellbeing of FIFO workers.
- Australian Institute of Family Studies: Fly-in Fly-out workforce practices in Australia: The effects on children and family relationships.
- Picture design by Freepik
