Separation from family, loneliness, lack of shore leave, fear of criminalization and the simple stress of everyday workload are only a few of the challenging factors for seafarers’ mental health, and even more in times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. But what are the key mistakes we make that may deteriorate these stressful factors?
Let’s see a few:
- Mistaking thoughts for facts: Thoughts contain scenarios often impossible in real world.
- Underestimate the importance of exercise: Exercise boosts us physically and mentally, to better handle stress.
- Forget to be respectful: Harmonic co-existence with others is a main component of overall wellbeing.
- Turn in upon yourself: Share your problems with a mate; you all have one another for a few months after all.
- Absorb yourself on screen: Excess use of social media is a trap for socialization and bonding onboard.
- Neglect socialization onboard: Encourage social activities, don’t wait for others to think of all the good ideas!
- Neglecting proper rest: Quality sleep does much more than just prevent fatigue during the day!
- Avoid dealing with your stress: Not meditating or talking to someone is a serious disservice for mental health.
- Dwelling on what goes wrong: Rumination is self-sabotage; try to distract yourself from negative thoughts.
- Isolating from loved ones: Social isolation typically serves to worsen depression and how we feel.
- Eating unhealthy: Research has confirmed a link between junk food and depression.
- Falling into the “if only” trap: Accept things as they are and enjoy the moment.
WHO defines mental health “as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.”
