[267] - When Coping Becomes a Crutch. Shift Work Mental Health and the Hidden Addictions

Text me what you thought of the show 😊In this episode, I open up about something many shift workers experience but few talk about openly: the dangerous coping mechanisms we turn to when the pressure gets too much. Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, pornography, or gambling — what starts as an escape can quickly spiral into something far more damaging.As a former shift worker myself and a coach to thousands of others, I want to share what I’ve learned — not from judgment, but from real experience.Here’s what we cover in this episode:✅ How disrupted sleep patterns and hormonal chaos fuel poor mental health ✅ The link between isolation, chronic fatigue, and impulsive habits ✅ Why substances and distractions feel helpful — but make it worse ✅ What recovery really looks like (hint: it’s not about going cold turkey overnight) ✅ How to spot early warning signs in yourself or a colleague ✅ The power of one small daily habit — like a morning walk ✅ How talking to a trusted GP or friend can change everything ✅ Practical tools to start choosing better — and feeling betterIf you’ve ever thought “I’m not myself lately”, this episode is for you. And if it feels like too much to fix on your own — good news: you don’t have to.👉 Take one small step today. Visit ahealthyshift.com or come join us in the Shift Workers Collective — a safe space to talk, learn, and grow. You’re not broken. You’re not alone. And change is possible.Support the show----------------------------Roger Sutherland is Australia's Night Shift & Sleep Specialist and the founder of A Healthy Shift.After more than 40 years working rotating shifts with Victoria Police, Roger now helps organisations reduce fatigue risk, improve staff wellbeing and build healthier, safer and higher-performing 24/7 workplaces through evidence-based education, circadian biology and the Shift Work Champions™ Framework.Shift Work Champions™: https://join.ahealthyshift.com/shift-work-capabilityWebsite: https://ahealthyshift.com.auLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-sutherlandInstagram: @a_healthy_shift___________________Disclaimer: Roger Sutherland is not a doctor or a medical professional.  Always consult a physician before implementing any strategies mentioned in this podcast. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. Roger Sutherland will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this podcast, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death._______________________