“In the Same Fight” A Mental Health Blog Series
Daniel:
For years, I wore my veteran badge like armor. I had this idea I shouldn’t ever show weakness, especially to my family and my team. But some days, the pressure at work and at home stacked up, and I started retreating. I’d say “I’m good” when anyone asked, but I wasn’t. I struggled constantly, letting things pile up until they were almost unbearable, and then one day I let my guard down and talked about what was bothering me. It was at this moment my life took a turn for the better and things started coming together. I had let a mentor of mine in… He was someone who I looked up to dearly and was able to see through the fog that filled my brain. That one evening was the turning point of my life and I, since that conversation, have been on a continuous push to fill my life with positivity. From that moment on, I knew I could help others with advice, both in answering questions during our speaking engagements, as well as sharing my story in this bi-weekly blog.
Derek:
A few years back, I was caught between career paths, watching bills pile up and relationships stretch thin. Couldn’t shake the feeling like I was the weak link. I stopped talking, pulled away, and everything started looking darker, even when the paychecks started coming back in, the fog was still there. It didn’t start to lift until I reached out to someone who actually listened. No big therapy sessions, just coffee, talking trash, and admitting that some days sucked. That’s when I realized there were more of us struggling than I’d ever guessed. It’s easy to get lost in the day to day and when you truly find your center, things just get better.
Why Keeping Quiet Hurts Us
• Nobody to gut-check the stories in your head.
• Isolation tricks you into thinking you’re the only one failing.
• Pride keeps you from asking for help even when you need it.
• If struggles become all you see, you forget all the other good stuff about yourself.
What Actually Helps
• Peer support: Look for the guy who’s always got your back and be that guy too.
• Check-ins: A simple “Hey, how are you holding up?” means more than you think.
• Safe spaces: Build teams where saying “I’m not okay today” is not looked down upon.
• Professional help: Sometimes you need to professional help, and that’s ok.
Why This Matters Now
•The Oil and Gas industry is tougher than ever. People are burning out, having family issues, not •performing at their full capacity, and giving up on life…. for good. If we want to keep our biggest assets, • our employees, we have to make space for real talk and real connection. It can be as easy as starting conversations about mental health, and accepting that everyone has their own fight.
What’s Next?
• Encourage management teams to check their team and make sure nobody’s flying solo.
• Train leads to spot trouble before it goes too far.
• Start talking about mental health in tailgate talks, not just safety and operations.
• Make it easy to get help. Strip out the red tape and the judgment.
• Tell the stories of people who needed help…(With Consent) or share yours if you’re able to do so.
We’re all in this together. If you find yourself in a dark patch, trust us. You’re not alone, and you’re not broken. Reaching out is how we all win.
Written By Daniel Radabaugh & Derek Boyd
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