Mental health has always been a taboo subject, especially so in the mining industry.

But for many men in the industry, it is an every day part of their lives.

Statistically, men are more likely to suffer from depression and other mental health issues, and this number increases significantly for men working and living in rural and regional areas.

One in three rural and regional workers take at least one day off work every few months because they are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, anxious or depressed, according to recent research commissioned by Medibank Health Solutions.

Just looking at these numbers alone, miners are bound to be at risk due to the very nature of their work, which ticks all the boxes - predominately male; long working hours; and often in rural or regional areas... more