Understanding Suicide Stigma in Fly-In/Fly-Out Workers: A Thematic Analysis of Attitudes Towards Suicide, Help-Seeking and Help-Offering

Abstract

Background: Suicide is estimated to be the fourth leading cause of death globally, with those working in male-dominated industries such as mining and construction at higher risk than the general population. Research suggests this is due (in part) to stigma towards mental health. No research exists that has sought to understand the attitudes underpinning this stigma in the fly-in/fly-out (FIFO) industry. The current study, set in Australia, is the first of its kind to examine what specific stigmatised attitudes of FIFO workers exist towards suicide, help-seeking, and help-offering.

Methods: Using convenience sampling, FIFO workers (n = 138) completed an online self-report survey. General thematic analysis identified four major themes. Most salient was that fear of negative consequences for employment was a primary barrier to help-seeking and help-offering. Participants also expressed lack of trust in leadership and workplace mental health culture, lack of knowledge and confidence in responding to suicidality disclosure, and fear of negative reactions as barriers to help-seeking and help-offering behaviours.

Conclusions: These findings present new and valuable insights into why FIFO workers are reluctant to seek or offer help for suicidality and have important implications for addressing systematic inadequacies within the sector that hinder disclosure of suicidal ideation and access to vital services.

Keywords: fly-in/fly out; mental health; stigma; suicide; workplace.