Hard Hats, Heavy Minds: Supporting Mental Health in the Oil Industry

I grew up in a small town in Alberta. I was raised by very hard working parents. Like many Albertans, my family is intricately connected to the oil industry. My dad spent 35+ years working in the oil industry in various locations, many of which in northern Alberta. This led to many long shifts working away from home and working away from his family. And like many Albertans, I understand the importance of this industry in our province. It’s more than a job, but a way of life.

The unique demands of working in the oilfield can take a serious toll on mental health. Oilfield work often involves:

• Long hours and physically demanding labour

• Shift work (e.g., 14 days on, 7 days off)

• Prolonged time away from loved ones

• Exposure to economic booms and busts

• A culture where toughness is expected and vulnerability is viewed as weakness

These stressors can contribute to a range of mental health challenges, including:

• Depression and anxiety

• Substance use

• Burnout and chronic fatigue

• Relationship strain

• Suicidal thoughts

Stigma in male dominated industries

Despite growing awareness of mental health issues, stigma remains a barrier in male-dominated and industrial work environments. Many workers worry they’ll be seen as “weak” or fear job loss if they speak up.

According to the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, 23% of workers and managers in safety

sensitive positions reported consuming alcohol or drugs within two hours before or during work (CCSA, 2025). Approximately 19% of workers experience psychological disorders, and a 2021 study, found that 1 in 7 fly in/fly out participants reported thoughts of harming themselves (Dorow, 2021).

Mental health affects safety, performance, and quality of life on and off the job. Just like physical injuries, mental health issues deserve care and support.

How to Protect Your Mental Health in the Oil Industry

Here are some steps that can make a difference:

1. Stay Connected/Maintain Relationships

Even if you’re in a remote camp, make time to connect with family, friends, or coworkers you trust. Isolation can intensify stress. Check out what the camp has to offer. Is there a gym, social room? Explore balancing nutrition with camp food, or create a meal plan if you’re not in camp. Try to connect with your people even when you are away.

2. Build a Routine Off-Site

Use your days off to rest, recharge, and reestablish a healthy routine. Time for sleep, nutrition, and physical activity can go a long way. Connect with your family and friends. Explore being mindful of the substances you may be consuming.

3. Watch for Warning Signs

Mood changes, irritability, substance use, or withdrawal from others could be signs something’s off. Don’t wait until it becomes a crisis.

4. Know You’re Not Alone

Many oilfield workers have faced similar struggles. Seeking help shows strength, not weakness.

5. Access Support

• Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAP): Typically free and it is confidential. Check out your benefit package if you’re part of a union.

• Wellness Apps and hotlines. Here is a link to different Wellness Apps approved by the Mental Health Commission of Canada: https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/mhcc-assessed-mental-health-apps/

• Mental Health Support across Alberta. One positive from the pandemic was the increase in virtual support. Oak & Acorn Therapy, among many other practices, can provide virtual support across Alberta and we can bill many different insurance companies.

• Crisis Support. You can call or text 988 if you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide. You can also visit our crisis support page for additional resources.

Stopping the stigma

We each have a role to play in ending the negative stigma towards mental health in the oilfield industry. Mental health is health, plain and simple. It’s time we treated it that way in every industry, including oil and gas. Whether you’re a labourer, engineer, camp cook, or a Pipe Fitter like my dad, your mental well-being matters, the work you do matters, and even more importantly, you matter.

You can’t pour from an empty cup, and your safety, relationships, and future are worth taking care of.

Are you an oilfield worker looking for mental health support in Alberta? We can help!

Visit our website to learn more.

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