Mental Health is a global phenomenon that has been overlooked by people over the years. Oftentimes when people hear of the term mental health, they automatically assume that your headspace is not intact; in a nutshell, they think you are crazy. The truth is mental health has to do with your psychological, social and emotional well-being – which affects how we think, manage stress, relate to others and make decisions. The world Health Organization (WHO) 2001 report postulates that 450 million people worldwide suffer from mental issues, and one of four people will be affected at some point in their lives. Yes, after reading what you read just now makes you question your sanity, right? No need to worry, it is completely normal to feel this way. The question here is: does being at sea for months affect seafarers’ mental health?
Unlike many people who are on dry land during their mental distress and can possibly talk to friends, family, or engage in some recreational activities to clear their headspace, seafarers can’t. They spend months among new people and try to make themselves home away from home, but the reality is that it isn’t home. The sacrifices that they have to make to provide for their families is sometimes overbearing. Seafarers become home and seasick when they reminisce on the good times they have spent with their loved ones, and what they could be doing at home. All that thinking has the effect to drive them into a state of depression and loneliness. This affects their ability to function effectively and produce quality work, and who knows?… creates room for incidents on the vessel or among colleagues.
Mental Health is an illness that should be taken seriously, and not have any form of stigma attached to the condition, especially for seafarers. This is a phase, and is not necessarily a permanent health issue, depending on the stage. Seafarers need to incorporate activities on vessels that foster integration among seafarers of all hierarchical levels. Have weekly parties with different themes, dinners, and of course, fitness programs because exercising is very therapeutic. Additionally, counselling sessions should be readily available to seafarers on a daily basis, as well as constant family communication via the various social media platforms. Instead of stigmatizing, be a listening ear while providing rational advice and support to seafarers at sea, because their mental health is just as important as ours on land.
