Published: 06 May 2026
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a valuable reminder that wellbeing should be a priority in every profession, including geospatial surveying. TSA works hard to provide a supportive community for geospatial surveyors, with longstanding initiatives such as Network TSA, which provides members with a nominated Council member in the same region. Our events are geared towards helping those who often work in isolation, to be able to make genuine connection with others and build a support network.
Running a survey business can be an enjoyable challenge but it can also be very stressful for many reasons. Combined with tight budgets, economic uncertainty, staff shortages and the pressure to deliver precise results, stress can quickly build.
For those in smaller teams, or surveyors working alone, there may be fewer opportunities to share concerns or decompress with colleagues. And although surveying is a diverse profession, many individuals may not feel naturally inclined to open up or ask for support, even when it’s needed.
Be proactive with protecting your mental health
That’s why it’s important to be proactive. Looking after your mental health doesn’t require dramatic change, as small, manageable actions can have a significant impact. On site, this might include:
- Taking regular breaks, even short ones, to reset and avoid fatigue
- Staying connected, checking in with a colleague or friend during the day, for more than just health and safety reasons
- Planning your workload realistically wherever you can to reduce unnecessary pressure
- Getting fresh air and movement, beyond the task at hand, to clear your mind
- Recognising early signs of stress, like irritability or difficulty concentrating, and addressing them early.
Team leaders can support this proactivity by creating open cultures where wellbeing can be discussed freely. Ultimately, taking care of your mental health is not a luxury, it’s essential. You don’t have to handle everything alone. This May, let’s encourage everyone in the surveying community to look after themselves and each other.
