Managing bipolar within the construction industry
Managing bipolar within the construction industry
By Patrick Shah-Regan
Having worked as a Site Manager for 20 years, I can say a lot has changed over this time in relation to mental health awareness within the construction industry.
My story, I hope, is a beacon of light to show others that having a mental health issue is no longer an obstacle that cannot be overcome.
I was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2009 while working on a new-build supermarket in Manchester. I had been working almost seven days a week with little or no sleep (for about 7-10 days) when one Sunday morning, while driving to the company house, I sought help from a passing police van and was taken to a mental hospital and sectioned that day.
I was in the psychiatric hospital for a month and was on a platter of medication. It was at this point that I was diagnosed as having bipolar disorder. I had to take six months off, and when I returned to work, I was given light duties initially, but eventually was able to return to full duties and back to where I was prior to me being hospitalised.
When I came out of the hospital, I was embarrassed and in shock at what had occurred to me. No one in the business, friends or family, could have seen this coming — not even me. I felt that I had let my work colleagues down and could not understand why this had happened to me. I was ashamed of what had occurred.
My girlfriend, now wife, Panchali, has been an amazing woman and has stood by me and shown me endless love and compassion, even to this day. I am so blessed. I have since realised that having this condition is part of my personality.
Fast forward to the present day, and I am currently working with Wates Smartspace as a Senior Site Manager on a variety of multi-million-pound projects across the UK. I started with Wates Smartspace in 2021, and prior to the interview, I had informed the business that I had this condition, and there were no questions or hesitations about my prospects within the business.
I have not only sustained myself but emulated and advanced my career under the right conditions with help from Wates Smartspace. I have written a book, blog and AI text-to-speech on YouTube (all for free) and have given numerous toolbox talks about my experiences on Wates projects. I just want to show others that there is hope and that you can live a relatively normal life, but you just need to be mindful and raise your hand if you start to be troubled.
For me, just being honest when dealing with other colleagues, the business and supply chains. I often start when I meet somebody new, and I just tell them my story. The construction industry is, as we know, high pressure and always battling against project deadlines and tight budgets. I am delighted that I have been able to continue my role in the construction industry, and in this job, I am both enthusiastic and love doing every day.
