Gisa Paredes,  Chief Strategy and Commercial Officer for WellAtSea and Licensed Psychologist, says sector should embrace a detailed strategy on mental health, with regulations for workplaces to implement the bare minimum and the eradication of stigma associated with mental health.

During Crew Welfare Week (20 to 22 June 2023), which focused on various subjects around wellness onboard, Gisa Paredes, Chief Strategy and Commercial Officer, WellAtSea, gave a presentation on mindful leadership as a critical skill for future seafarers.

Thinking of seeing a professional, but can't seem to decide if what you're going through is worth the consultation? Perhaps you may feel that despite the gravity of your situation, you still manage to get by, writes Ms. Gisa R. Paredes, WellAtSea.

“Sailing is not as it was before”, these are the famous lines of several seasoned sailors who observe that work on board and crew relationships have changed drastically through the years. These days, the challenge is isolation. We have seen poor group cohesion, and lack of communication in teams, directly affect the mental health of crew, notes Ms. Gisa R. Paredes, WellAtSea.

In our special column this month, we are glad to host an interview with Ms. Gisa Paredes, a Licensed Psychologist and Chief Operating Officer at WellAtSea program which has now reached more than 8,000 seafarers globally. Ms Paredes shares with us her secrets for  business development; among many, connecting with intention, practicing mindfulness and seeking help from professionals have helped her a lot towards.