WELLBEING

FAMILY & FRIENDS

Adjusting to a home away from home can take some work, but we promise that with the right approach, it is possible

Maintaining strong connections is essential for mental wellbeing. The remote nature of mining, unusual rosters and long shifts, are challenging for not just mine workers, but also their partners, friends and family back home. With good communication, an open mind and a little creativity, you can keep those bonds strong.

It is important for partners, friends and family to be involved in continued support for their loved one’s health and wellbeing. Staying connected is a two-way street, and relies on everybody to reach out, keep in touch and check in regularly.

By developing schedules, using technology, and showing genuine care and interest in each other’s lives, you can maintain vital relationships, no matter the distance.

MAINTAINING CONNECTIONS

LONG DISTANCE COMMUNICATION

Scheduling regular communication and taking advantage of technology, are easy ways for sharing experiences and keeping in touch. By being thoughtful, patient and understanding, everybody can feel closer together, even when they’re apart.

Set a routine: Establish regular times to call or video chat. Consistency helps maintain strong connections and gives everyone something to look forward to.

Stick to the plan: Make a commitment to stick to these scheduled times as much as possible, treating them as important appointments.

Flexible scheduling: Sometimes, you may need to be flexible with your communication schedule to accommodate both parties.

Be mindful of time differences: Be aware of the time zone differences and plan your calls and messages accordingly to avoid inconvenient times for either party.

Coordinate time off: Plan your leave periods to coincide with important events, holidays, or special occasions.

Celebrate milestones: Don’t forget birthdays, anniversaries, and other important dates. Send cards, gifts, or organise virtual celebrations to show you care.

Video calls: Platforms like Skype, Zoom and FaceTime make it easy to have face-to-face conversations, bridging the physical gap.

Share your experiences: Regularly share photos and videos of your work environment, daily activities, and interesting sights.

Watch together: Choose a TV show or movie to watch at the same time and discuss it afterward.

Dine together: Coordinate time to enjoy a long-distance dinner together, or perhaps a dessert at the end of your day.

Care packages: Create small packages with thoughtful gifts or treats for your loved ones working away. Receiving something physical can be very meaningful.

Handwritten letters: Add a personal touch in the digital age, and leave a surprise note in a travel bag or under a pillow back home.

RELATIONSHIPS

UNDERSTANDING & CARE

Different types of relationships will require, and benefit from, different approaches. Intimate partnerships and immediate family members (such as spouses and children) may find things significantly more difficult than friends, for example, especially at first. It’s important to remember that thousands of people maintain healthy relationships in unique situations every day. If you are finding things especially challenging, help is available.

Understanding and care

  • Ask questions: Show interest in each others’ lives by asking about their day, and what’s happening in their world. Follow suggestions above to keep communication open.

  • Be patient: New situations can take some time to settle in - give it time. Big adjustments can take a fair amount of work from all involved. Things won’t be perfect or “normal” again overnight.

  • Don’t assume: It can be easy to think the worst or jump to conclusions in new and scary situations. Take a deep breath, and approach each concern with a calm and level head.

Expressing feelings

  • Stay honest: If you’re feeling lonely or disconnected, share your feelings with your loved one. They may be feeling the same way.

  • Offer your support: Some days, we just need to vent. Allow your loved one to get things off their chest, and hear their concerns. It’s often much easier to work through issues together.

  • Show appreciation: Regularly express your love and appreciation. A simple “I miss you” or “I appreciate you” goes a long way.

Community and support

  • Counselling and EAP: Many mining companies offer on-site counselling and support services for employees. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) are also often available to their family and friends, and provide additional resources to help maintain wellbeing. Utilise these resources if you’re struggling with the distance from your loved ones.

  • Join community groups: Facebook groups like MYNR Mates: Coast to Coast are set up for workers and their loved ones to stay connected, ask questions, and seek advice from a community that understands what they’re going through.