PPC119 | HEALTH AND WELLBEING

PPC magazine spoke to pest industry marketing bod Anna Mollins, about her new project to help pest professionals reach out and share the mental load.

PPC Tell us about Pest Minds

AM Pest Minds is a site for people in the pest management industry to tell their mental health journeys anonymously, with the hope that by talking openly, we can show that you are not alone. People submit their stories, which are then edited to ensure anonymity and to also follow the guidelines set by Mind, on portraying mental health in media. The submissions are then published online for anyone to read. pestminds.co.uk

PPC What was your inspiration for starting Pest Minds?

AM I’ve always been passionate about mental health and wellbeing, and after hosting a talk on mental health at a trade association conference a pest professional sought me out to thank me. They said that in hearing mine and another person’s experiences with mental health struggles, it gave them the courage to seek help.

Knowing that they weren’t alone had helped them to take the first positive steps in improving their own mental health.

I realised that we needed a safe, anonymous place to share our stories with each other, so that even more people can feel seen. As pest professionals, our struggles can sometimes be quite unique, so I wanted to provide something that was specific to people in this industry. 

PPC What has been the feedback so far? 

AM Since launch I have had a wonderfully positive response from a wide range of people in the industry, praising the concept and the importance of speaking up about mental 
health overall. 

While I do work for Veritas Pest Consultancy, this project is not affiliated with any business or professional body, it’s not making any money or a way of fundraising. It’s solely me, giving up my free time to provide a platform for people to communicate, and I think that helps people feel they can open up more and there isn't an ulterior motive to it. 

PPC Why do you think it’s important for pest controllers to have this kind of space to share? 

AM There is still a lot of stigma and stereotyping when we think of people and their mental health experiences, and that can make people afraid to speak about those experiences. 

“What would happen if my boss found out?”
“What happens with my gun licence if I’m diagnosed with depression?”
“Will people treat me differently?” 
“Will I be held back in my career?”
“Will people think I am weak?” 
“Will people avoid me?” 

Our industry should understand stereotyping better than most, because of the ‘rat catcher/animal killer’ image that so many see in us. 

PPC What do you hope to see for Pest Minds in the future? 

AM I have no huge ambitions here. I just want it to grow organically, because this isn’t about me and my aims, it’s about each and every person in this industry feeling they have an outlet to share their mental health journeys.

I hope this website provides a safe space for anyone to submit a mental health story. It doesn’t have to directly relate to pest control, it can be big or small, hard hitting or subtle. You can be confident in knowing that your story will be edited to maintain your anonymity, and you can even submit under an alias.

I want as many people to submit their stories as possible; it may only take 10 minutes to write your story but if only one person reads it and feels seen, then isn’t that worth it? 

Find out more

Check out stories from others and submit your own today. pestminds.co.uk

If you need further support, contact Mind, the mental health charity mind.org.uk