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MarketsSafetyOpinions

Breaking Ground: The Mental Health Journey of a Driller

Asking for Help Isn’t a Sign of Weakness

By Jeff Garby
Driller mental health
December 10, 2024

Being a driller is no joke. It's one of the toughest jobs out there— it demands long hours, finicky equipment, and a lot of dirt and grime. However, the real challenge often isn’t the tough geology; it’s the mental grind that comes with the lifestyle.

Spending weeks on the road, away from family, coupled with the constant pressure to perform and the physical demands, can really wear on your mental health.

Yet, in an industry where toughness is often valued above all, it’s easy to ignore the stress building up inside.

In this article, we’ll dive into mental health in the drilling industry—what it looks like, why it matters, and how to keep your mind and body in working order when the grind gets tough.

The Life of a Driller: More Than Just a Job

If you’ve spent any time in the geotechnical or environmental drilling industry, you know how tough the work can be. Whether you're drilling for geotechnical holes, monitoring wells, or investigating the geology under a new development site, it’s a physically demanding job.

But the real challenge isn’t always the drilling itself. Long, lonely hours on the road, irregular schedules, and time away from family can take a serious toll.

It’s easy to feel isolated—especially when you’re out in the middle of nowhere, working late into the night, or grabbing a quick nap between shifts. Throw in a couple of high-stress deadlines or unexpected site challenges, and mental fatigue can sneak up faster than a stuck auger bit.

The Road Warrior Blues

One of the toughest aspects of being a driller is the travel. You’re always on the move, bouncing from one job site to another. This means a lot of time away from home, often in isolated or remote locations. Missing family dinners, birthdays, and the simple comforts of home can leave you feeling disconnected—like you’re living in two worlds: one filled with clients, rigs, and deadlines, and another with family, friends, and a decent bed.

Over time, this emotional distance can take a toll. Even the toughest drillers can feel like they’re working in a vacuum—alone with their thoughts and separated from everything familiar. Long stretches of isolation, paired with the stress of the job, can often lead to feelings of depression or anxiety.

The Pressure to Keep it Together (and Why It’s Not a Good Idea)

In an industry that values hard work and resilience, it’s easy to see asking for help as a sign of weakness. After all, drillers are tough—we’re the ones who work through blizzards, handle equipment that’s past its prime, and stay calm when everything goes sideways. But the truth is, pretending everything is fine when it cannot do far more harm than asking for help.

Let’s address one of the most dangerous ways mental health struggles can show up in this industry: addiction. The job is tough, the hours are long, and after a hard day in the field, it’s tempting to hit the bar or crack open a cold one. But using alcohol to cope with stress or exhaustion can quickly become a harmful habit.

Over time, it takes a toll on your body and mind, impacting everything from your relationships to your performance on the job.

Addiction is a mental health issue. Whether it’s drinking, smoking, popping pills, or something else, you’re using it to numb the pain. And that might work for a little while, but eventually, it only digs the hole deeper.

Keeping Fit—Physically and Mentally

You’ve probably heard the saying, “If you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything.” When you’re on the road, living on fast food, working long hours, and skipping workouts, it’s easy to get out of shape. But if you’re not taking care of your body, it becomes much harder to take care of your mind.

Drilling is a physically demanding job, but it’s not just about throwing around bentonite or sand or carrying tooling. It’s about the mental toughness required to keep pushing forward when everything seems to be falling apart. Staying physically fit isn’t just about looking good at the beach. Exercise is a proven way to reduce stress, boost your mood, and keep your mind sharp.

It’s one of the best tools for staying on top of your mental game.

We get it—staying in shape on the road isn’t easy, especially with limited access to gyms and healthy food. But even a quick workout in your hotel room, a 15-minute jog in the morning, or a few push-ups and stretches can do wonders for your mental health. You’ll feel better, sleep better, and tackle the day with more energy.

The Consequences of Ignoring Mental Health

Neglecting your mental health can have serious consequences, both on and off the job. Mentally exhausted drillers are more likely to make mistakes, miss important details, or have accidents. Drilling isn’t just about hitting the right depth—it’s about safety. If your head’s not in the game, you could be putting yourself and your coworkers at risk.

Let’s be real – nobody wants to face a serious injury, a divorce, or a substance abuse problem because they neglected their mental health. Bottling everything up doesn’t make you tougher; it only increases the pressure.

How to Cope: It's OK to Not Be OK

So, how can you take care of your mental health when you're on the go, juggling deadlines, and living out of a suitcase?

Here are a few tips that could make all the difference:

1. Talk About It: This might be the hardest step, but it’s also the most important. Whether you’re confiding in a coworker who understands, reaching out to a friend or family member, or speaking with a therapist, opening up about your struggles is crucial. You’re not alone—chances are, others are feeling the same way.

2. Stay Active: Find simple ways to stay active. You don’t need a full gym session—just a 20-minute walk or some basic bodyweight exercises can work wonders for your mood and energy levels.

3. Set Boundaries: It’s easy to burn out when you’re always on the grind. Make sure to take time to rest—whether it’s a quiet evening in your hotel room, a weekend off, or even just a few hours to yourself. Don’t hesitate to hit pause and recharge

4. Seek Professional Help: If things start to feel overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out to a counselor or therapist. Many companies now offer mental health resources for employees, and confidential help is often just a phone call away.

5. Stay Connected: Make an effort to stay in touch with your family and friends. A quick text or call can help you feel grounded and remind you that there’s more to life than the next drilling project.

Why You Should Seek Help

Asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s a sign of strength. Prioritizing your mental health helps you perform at your best on the job, maintain strong relationships, and be present to enjoy the things you love.

Drillers are tough, but even the toughest need support now and then. Seeking help early can prevent things from spiraling out of control, allowing you to get back to what you love without the burden of stress and burnout.

The geotechnical and environmental drilling industry is demanding, but your mental health is just as critical as any drill bit or rig on site. Don’t wait for the pressure to mount before taking care of yourself. It’s okay to not be okay sometimes—but it’s not okay to ignore it. Reach out, get active, talk it out, and make sure you’re taking care of both your body and your mind.

Stay safe, stay healthy, and keep drilling!


KEYWORDS: safety

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Jeff Garby is vice president of global operations and managing partner at Alucast Inc., which manufactures well protection for clients in geotech, groundwater and other drilling sectors. Find out more at alucastworld.com.

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