Mental Health Awareness Month Q&A
During the month of May, I sat down with seafarers during ship visits and in our Seafarers’ House San Juan Center to hear their thoughts regarding mental health and if it they have seen positive or negative effects during their time working in the industry.
What are your overall feelings on seafarer mental health in the cruise industry? Do you feel it is a big problem?
Waiter: I feel that, at least onboard our ship, the company takes the time to talk to any seafarers that may have any issues regarding the state of their mental health.
Casino: Personally, I am having issues sleeping, but I do not count it due to stress. I do not feel it is a serious issue, at least for me. A lot of nationalities work together onboard, and I feel we all communicate well despite our differences.
Riding Crew: For us, the everyday work stress can be difficult, and we feel it is a problem in the industry. We do not get to leave the ship much because we dry dock as well. This can be negatively impactful for our mental health.
Do you feel that the industry overall is taking the right steps to help seafarers with metal health issues?
Restaurant: Yes, from what I have seen while working on my ship, they are taking the right steps when it comes to mental health issues. There is a lot of good communication with the crew and the company.
Bar Server: I do, onboard my ship they do many activities and have resources for the crew. Many recreational activities and entertainment to help relieve the day-to-day stress that can hard on seafarers. Human resources are also available in case someone has an issue that needs to be discussed.
What would you like to see be done in the industry overall that you feel has not been done yet to help seafarers combat mental health issues?
Deck & Engine: More training when it come to mental health problems like depression and anxiety. It’s an issue because many seafarers do not want to open up with their feelings or are afraid to talk about it, for fear of people seeing them differently. The training can go along way to show them they have help it they need it.
Mechanic: I feel that more a focus on giving seafarers with mental health issues more emotional support. This is the right path to help seafarers.
Casino: Mostly, I feel that the internet onboard the ship should be improved to facilitate communication with friends and loved ones as well as for personal use.
Thank you to everyone that participated in answering our questions. Help is always available to those that need it. Here is a link with additional information and resources:
https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/mental-health-awareness-month/