Managing Mental health
Architecture can be an enormously rewarding field of work. It allows ideas to be developed in collaboration with home owners and their families, other professionals, trade contractors, builders and many more. Watching these ideas come to life can be fulfilling for everyone involved.
But bringing projects to life can also be stressful and result in long hours of work. Industry research shows that constant or excessive working hours can take its toll on architects and those around them.
Common mental health issues associated with long working hours include depression, anxiety and low self esteem. This can then flow into other areas of work – for example, poor decision-making or difficulties identifying priorities.
In 2016, we commissioned Australia's first Literature Review in to the subject of architects and their mental health. You can download the Review HERE.
The Board’s primary role is to protect the consumer. We think we can do this best by guiding architects who might need support to the sources of that support.The following links and resources can help architects find the information they need to feel supported.
Mental health organizations
BeyondBlue
beyondblue is the national depression initiative, providing comprehensive online information on the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety and how to help someone. You can also ring their info line on 1300 22 4636 for the cost of a local call.
The Black Dog Institute
The Black Dog Institute is a not-for-profit, educational, research, clinical and community-oriented facility offering specialist expertise in depression and bipolar disorder. Visit their website for resources and links, up-to-date research and information on community programs and getting help.
Industry support network
The Australian Institute of Architects
The Australian Institute of Architects Senior Counsellor Service provides confidential assistance to architects who may need guidance or advice on projects, client matters or in relation to their professional responsibilities. You can call on 02 9246 4055
Other resources
The Conversations for life® App developed by ConNetica provides people with the knowledge, tools and skills to plan conversations with individuals whose wellbeing and mental health they are concerned about. This might include a colleague, client or architect that you know.
We can’t control everything life throws at us, but we can often control how we choose to respond. Research shows that managing stress or anxiety can be helped by the act of colouring. The University of Melbourne’s Dr Stan Rodski worked with student of architecture, Jake Dowling, to develop a range of colouring books designed to create a calming or meditative state. For more, check out: http://www.colourtation.com/
