44 I SAFETY4SEA Log I February 2025 I ISSUE 100 safety4sea.com ART I CLE that the Ancient Greeks were the first to associate mental and physical health, as reflected in the famous saying, “A healthy mind in a healthy body.” Alexandra stressed that these two aspects are interdependent and influenced by environmental factors and circumstances. She proposed a comprehensive approach to mental health assessment, combining self-reporting tools, clinical diagnostics, and observational methods. Güven Kale added that effective mental health assessments include subjective self-reports, such as clinical interviews and standardized questionnaires like the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). These tools provide valuable insights into an individual’s mental state. However, she emphasized the need to view mental health as a spectrum, incorporating emotional, social, and cognitive factors. ASSESSING MENTAL HEALTH: age the ups and downs of life at sea and maintain mental health,” he emphasized, encouraging the panelists to define mental health and identify its key parameters. “When we talk about mental health, we often focus on positive dimensions, but it is, in fact, a holistic concept. It encompasses our current state of wellbeing and our ability to function effectively in life.”, said Dr. Pennie Blackburn. Caroline Jupe concurred, emphasizing that mental health is essentially about coping with the normal stresses of life. “Within the Search and Rescue community, we have seen examples where organizations embrace handbooks and implement toolkits”, she noted, underscoring the importance of having effective tools to assess mental health. Alexandra Kaloulis reiterated that mental health is part of a broader, interconnected framework. She noted The maritime industry is increasingly recognizing mental wellness as a critical factor for ensuring a happy and safe crew, experts agreed during a panel discussion at the 4th Crew Welfare Week. The panel discussion, moderated by Capt. VS Parani, Vice President Marine at Tufton Asset Management Ltd, provided valuable insights on the topic. Panelists included Dr. Pennie Blackburn, Director and Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Waypoint Maritime CiC; Caroline Jupe, CEO of the International Maritime Rescue Federation; Alexandra Kaloulis, Managing Director of I.M.E.Q. Center; and Güven Kale, Clinical Chief Officer at Mental Health Support Solutions. Defining mental health: Key parameters To begin the discussion, Capt. Parani stated that mental wellness involves maintaining a positive outlook, fostering strong interpersonal connections, managing stress effectively, and seeking support when needed to navigate the demands of life at sea. “We need skills, tools, and support to man-
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