Seafarer mental health and well-being

Seafarer mental health and well-being.

Seafarer mental health and well-being are essential aspects of the quality of life and safety of seafarers on board ships. Seafarers face unique challenges and stressors that can affect their mental health, such as long working hours, isolation, fatigue, piracy, and cultural diversity. These factors can lead to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and even suicide among seafarers. Therefore, it is important to promote positive mental health and psychological well-being among seafarers and provide them with adequate support and resources.

According to the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), positive mental health and psychological well-being are “the ability to cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully, and make a contribution to one’s community” (ISWAN, 2017). ISWAN has developed a range of self-help resources to help seafarers manage and cope with low mood, stress and fatigue, and maximise their overall psychological well-being. These resources include a series of three self-help guides, a range of mental health and well-being infographics, and an audio relaxation exercise (ISWAN, n.d.).

One of the self-help guides, titled “Psychological Wellbeing at Sea”, aims to explain what positive mental health and psychological well-being are, help seafarers to recognise the risks to well-being that they may face, and provide some practical ideas about how seafarers can maximise their psychological well-being. The guide covers topics such as coping with stress, managing emotions, dealing with loneliness, enhancing resilience, seeking help, and supporting others (ISWAN, 2017).

Another organisation that is committed to improving seafarers’ mental health and well-being is The Mission to Seafarers. The Mission to Seafarers is a global charity that provides practical, emotional and spiritual guidance to seafarers on land and on-board ships. The Mission to Seafarers also provides access to Wi-Fi services and SIM cards to help connect seafarers to their loved ones back home. Moreover, The Mission to Seafarers conducts a quarterly survey called the Seafarers Happiness Index, which measures the thoughts and feelings of seafarers about their lives at sea. The survey focuses on a range of issues, from mental health and well-being, to working life and family contact. The results are published each quarter to provide a snapshot of the current state of seafarers’ welfare (The Mission to Seafarers, n.d.).

In addition to these initiatives, there are also other sources of information and support for seafarers’ mental health and well-being. For example, Rightship is a maritime risk management organisation that provides guidance on seafarer stress, mental health and wellness at sea. Rightship advises seafarers on how to recognise the signs of stress and depression, how to cope with challenging situations at sea, how to seek professional help if needed, and how to support their fellow crew members (Rightship, 2020). Furthermore, seafarers can also contact SeafarerHelp or Yacht Crew Help, which are free helplines that offer confidential support 24/7 in multiple languages. SeafarerHelp or Yacht Crew Help can assist seafarers with any problems they may have on board or ashore, such as personal issues, family problems, health concerns, or work-related matters (ISWAN, n.d.).

In conclusion, seafarer mental health and well-being are vital for the personal and professional lives of seafarers. Seafarers should be aware of the potential risks to their mental health and well-being at sea and take proactive steps to enhance their psychological well-being. Seafarers should also know that they are not alone and that there are various organisations and resources that can help them cope with any difficulties they may encounter.

References

ISWAN (2017). Psychological Wellbeing at Sea. Retrieved from https://www.seafarerswelfare.org/seafarer-health-information-programme/good-mental-health/psychological-wellbeing-at-sea

ISWAN (n.d.). Good Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.seafarerswelfare.org/seafarer-health-information-programme/good-mental-health

ISWAN (n.d.). SeafarerHelp. Retrieved from https://www.seafarerhelp.org/

ISWAN (n.d.). Yacht Crew Help. Retrieved from https://www.yachtcrewhelp.org/

Rightship (2020). Seafarer Stress Mental Health & Wellness at Sea. Retrieved from https://rightship.com/insights/seafarer-stress-mental-health-and-wellness-at-sea

The Mission to Seafarers (n.d.). Seafarers Mental Health & Well-being. Retrieved from https://www.missiontoseafarers.org/about/our-issues/mental-health