At work, risks to mental health, also called psychosocial risks, may be related to job content or work schedules, specific characteristics of the workplace, or opportunities for career development, among other factors, the World Health Organization notes.
In the maritime industry, seafarers’ work environment often exacerbates psychosocial risks due to a combination of long-term isolation, challenging physical conditions, irregular work schedules, and the pressures of performing high-responsibility tasks in confined spaces. Addressing these factors and providing better mental health support has become a top priority on the industry’s agenda in recent years.
Key facts
- Poor working environments – including discrimination and inequality, excessive workloads, low job control and job insecurity – pose a risk to mental health.
- 15% of working-age adults were estimated to have a mental disorder in 2019.
- Globally, an estimated 12 billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety at a cost of US$ 1 trillion per year in lost productivity.
October is dedicated to mental health awareness. World Mental Health Day 2024, celebrated every year on 10th of October, brings urgent focus to the theme “It is time to prioritize mental health in the workplace,” as chosen by the World Federation for Mental Health
In light of this year’s World Mental Health Day theme the call to action emphasizes fostering mental health in the workplace and implementing best practices that build cultures where workers can contribute productively and thrive.
For too many people, work falls far short of its potential, failing to enrich lives and, instead, negatively affecting mental health and well-being, leading to excessive stress and mental ill-health. Mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety, are pervasive across workplaces globally, impacting productivity, attendance, and overall performance. In shipping, the nature of seafaring work and onboard conditions makes individuals particularly vulnerable to emotional struggles.
It is, therefore, the maritime industry’s responsibility to care for its seafarers, provide resources and training to raise awareness, and, most importantly, cultivate a supportive culture both onboard and ashore to ensure a brighter future for all.
Mental health and work are closely linked: 7 key considerations
#1 A supportive work environment fosters mental health
#2 Workers face several risks to mental health
#3 Without support, mental health conditions can harm self-confidence
#4 Poor mental health can lead to decreased performance
#5 Stigma creates barriers to employment
#6 Training managers to recognize and address stressors in the workplace is vital
#7 Stress management techniques and mental health awareness should be accessible
BUILDING RESILIENCE: Read in this series