Dorian Bowen was at the peak of his career when something snapped.
Putting in 18-hour days and jetting around the world every week, on the face of it he was living the dream – expanding the luxury interior design-build studio he’d co-founded.
But after several years of anxiety building up, with no relief from medication or alcohol, he found he couldn’t concentrate anymore.
One evening, alone in the office, he looked at his company’s project schedules and realised he wouldn’t be able to take a day off for another year and a half.
“I used to think, gosh, I can’t wait to die,” he tells Nadine Buddoo in the latest 21CC podcast.
“I didn’t want to be dead, but if I went to the doctor and he said you’ve got three months to live, I’d be like, Hallelujah! This is great! Thank you so much! Respite!”
Male suicide rates in construction are among the highest of any sector.
To mark World Mental Health Day, Dorian is joined by Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders, to share personal accounts and explore strategies to reduce stigma and foster a culture of openness.
Mental health support and advice for CIOB members, past members and related family is available through CIOB Assist.
CIOB, in partnership with Anxiety UK, also provides wellbeing support.
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