On this week's episode of The Plastering Show, our host Chris Frediani and show regular Bradders discuss mental health in the plastering trade. They are joined by fellow-plasterer Jason Currill who discusses how cutting out alcohol helped his mental wellbeing. Currill experienced anxiety, panic attacks, chest pains, a heart attack, low moods and lack of motivation. He believes that alcohol is one of the key causes of bad mental health. "When you're in the 20s you can shake off the hangover, which as you get older lingers and begins to affect your wellbeing. "I wasn't connecting the dots at first, but when I took a break from the booze I realised how much it was holding me back. A lot of people are in the same boat," he says. He shared with the listeners how he quit drinking. "I told my mates I'm off alcohol and owned it. I took a 28-day challenge and felt great. My motivation and mood lifted, and I felt better. My anxiety was much less," Currill reveals. He continued to avoid drinking for several months, after which he lost weight and his cholesterol too reduced. He hasn't gone back to alcohol again. Currill feels that alcohol consumption is embedded in British culture, especially in the building industry. "The 'man up' stigma in the construction industry where we feel we mustn't talk about our problems has to change," he adds. "I think employers should encourage workers to speak up if they have problems. Have a toolbox talk on a Friday, and promote an environment where employees can talk about anything they wish to," he says when asked what steps can be taken to address mental health on site. Currill is sharing his experience with the trade to help others who want to quit alcohol and better their mental health. He has a Facebook page Life's Better Without Alcohol with 2,000 members, where he regularly talks and discusses his experience with mental health and alcohol. There's so much you can do without the need to consume alcohol to have fun. "Go fishing with your mates instead of grabbing a pint. Climb a mountain, go go-karting, play mini golf, there's so much to do," he expresses. "That's building meaningful connections, there's no beer involved," he concluded. Learn more about Currill's journey on the show here.
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