Like physical health, everyone can have mental health issues which can fluctuate along a spectrum of good to poor. According to studies, especially during these challenging times, mental health problems among seafarers are getting worse, while stress onboard ships remains a growing issue.
Considering that mental health can negatively impact the safe operations onboard, organizations should have professional and confidential structures in place to tackle with such issues. But first and foremost, it is important everyone onboard to look out for signs of distress and take care of crew’s welfare; overall, a more caring and compassionate approach in dealing with others onboard is needed.
In the second edition of ’’Crew Welfare Management and Mental Wellness’’, INTERTANKO highlights that good ship management support is crucial in assisting wellbeing, spotting early signs of distress and initiating early interventions.
Be human: Care about others onboard
When you see signs of poor mental health to others, keep in mind:
- Reaching out early can signal to your onboard teams that you are concerned for their welfare.
- Focus on effective communication to ensure that you come across as sincere and caring
- Always keep in mind that the current situation may not go away overnight
- Focus on longer- term working capacity rather than repeated short-term crisis responses
16 psychological signs of poor mental health: Look out for your crew’s welfare
#1 Anxiety or distress
#2 Tearfulness
#3 Feeling low and/or lonely
#4 Mood changes
#5 Indecision
#6 Loss of motivation
#7 Loss of humour
#8 Increased sensitivity
#9 Distraction or confusion
#10 Difficulty relaxing
#11 Lapses in memory
#12 Illogical or irrational thought
#13 Difficulty in concentration
#14 Suicidal thoughts
#15 Slowing down of thought process
#16 Feelings of guilt and/or worthlessness
