Recent research unveiled a major increase in levels of anxiety among seafarers, as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which makes them a working group with a significant risk of panic attacks.
While seafarers work under threat of injury from accidents, piracy, and illness, stressors in seafarers can be both personal and directly connected to work conditions. In a new publication, the UK P&I Club shared key points to consider with respect to panic attacks onboard.
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear and discomfort that peaks within minutes and involves combinations of the following symptoms:
- Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate.
- Sweating.
- Trembling or shaking.
- Shortness of breath or feeling smothered.
- Feelings of choking.
- Chest pain or discomfort.
- Nausea or abdominal distress.
- Feeling dizzy, light-headed, or like you are going to faint.
- Having chills or feeling hot.
- Numbness or tingling sensations.
- Experiencing feelings of unreality or being detached from yourself (derealisation and depersonalization).
- Fear of losing control.
- Fear of dying.
Seafarers are constantly exposed to stressors and many develop issues with anxiety, and therefore Panic Disorder can occur, particularly in individuals with a genetic and temperamental predisposition to the condition,
…UK Club said.
It is noted that, for an individual to be diagnosed with Panic Disorder, there has to be a recurrence of unexpected panic attacks, with at least one panic attack being accompanied by intense concern and worry about experiencing another panic attack, or perceived effects of a panic attack. These experiences should be separate to any panic attacks caused by substance abuse.
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The most effective treatment for anxiety disorders, including Panic Disorder is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT involves identifying, challenging and replacing negative thoughts with realistic ones, recognizing symptoms, learning coping skills and confronting fears.
For seafarers, enhanced job security, as well as less time away from their families, can reduce anxiety and reduce stressors that may result in panic attacks, the Club advised.
A review of working hours and ensuring adequate time for rest, improving the occupational conditions by doing whatever possible to minimize accidents, having more accessible first aid and reducing the time spent at sea can help improve both the physical and psychological wellbeing of seafarers, including the prevention of panic attacks,
In addition, panic attacks can be prevented by using relaxation techniques, practicing mindfulness, meditation, exercising and sleeping and eating well and avoiding stimulants such as nicotine and caffeine.