Reducing seafarer anxiety and sadness
(Posted on 22/03/21)
International maritime charity Sailors’ Society’s Wellness at Sea training and support reduces anxiety and sadness among seafarers, a research report has shown.
The preliminary findings came from a PHD research project in psychology from Rhodes University in South Africa, investigating the mental health of seafarers. Researcher Lauren Brown conducted the analysis with two groups of crew, from different nationalities. The seafarers had all been at sea for less than two years, serving on a number of vessels.
One of the groups had attended a Wellness at Sea workshop and were part of a Wellness at Sea peer support programme, while the other had not attended any kind of training on wellness or mental health.
Nearly 10 per cent fewer of the seafarers who had taken part in Wellness at Sea reported feeling anxious or worried at work on a regular basis than those who had not attended any wellness training, while 14 per cent fewer of the wellness-trained crew reported regularly feeling sad at work (see notes to editors for details).
The seafarers who had been through Wellness at Sea also showed a better understanding of mental health and were less likely to stigmatise mental illness. For example, nine per cent of that group agreed with the statement “I would be embarrassed if a person in my family became mentally ill”, versus 50 per cent of the comparison group, while 26.8 per cent of the trained seafarers were embarrassed by the term “psychological disorder”, versus 55.6 per cent of the comparison group.
Johan Smith, Wellness at Sea programme manager, said: “These findings reflect what we have seen across thousands of seafarers who have completed Wellness at Sea training: even a small amount of training and support can make a big difference to a seafarer’s mental health.
“By attending just one Wellness at Sea workshop, and talking about mental health with their peers, this crew felt markedly happier at work – which doesn’t just have a good impact on their own wellness and safety, but that of the whole crew.
“Evidently, the programme also significantly changes and challenges perceptions seafarers have about mental health.
“The fact that they were less likely to stigmatise mental illness is crucially important. Breaking down mental health stereotypes brings understanding, awareness and empathy to the maritime industry while enabling seafarers to support those around them, whether at home or at sea – and making them more likely to seek help if they need it.”
Latest News
Dry bulk industry pays tribute to outgoing INTERCARGO Chairman Dimitri Fafalios
(Posted on 10/01/25)Leading figures across the dry bulk shipping sector have joined in paying tribute to Dimitri Fafalios... Read more
IMO Secretary-General sets his priorities for 2025 in new year message
(Posted on 07/01/25)International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has highlighted key items... Read more
Anemoi’s Vale VLOC Rotor Sails installation is largest wind-propulsion project to date
(Posted on 17/12/24)Anemoi Marine Technologies has completed the installation of five Rotor Sails onboard the 400,000 dwt... Read more
Partnership to provide crews with seamless Data Roaming experience
(Posted on 17/12/24)ShipMoney, a leader in digital payment solutions, has announced its partnership with Megga Telecom,... Read more
Thordon’s water-lubricated shaft bearings selected for bulk carrier refit
(Posted on 11/12/24)Thordon Bearings has delivered COMPAC water-lubricated propeller shaft and SXL rudder bearings to replace... Read more
DNV: cost-efficient strategies can cut price of FuelEU Maritime compliance
(Posted on 11/12/24)According to a new DNV white paper outlining FuelEU Maritime requirements and compliance strategies... Read more
Roadmap for Nordic Shipping’s fuel transition delivered to ministers
(Posted on 04/12/24)The Nordic Roadmap project has unveiled the Fuel Transition Roadmap for Nordic Shipping (‘the... Read more
MHSS expands to address unique maritime mental health challenges
(Posted on 04/12/24)Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS) is pleased to announce the expansion of its team in Korea and... Read more
AVS Global strengthens Asia-Pacific operations
(Posted on 04/12/24)AVS Global, the Istanbul-based ship supply, catering, supply management, logistics, and procurement... Read more
U-Ming Marine appoints Anemoi to install Rotor Sails on VLOC
(Posted on 29/11/24)Leading wind-propulsion technology provider Anemoi Marine Technologies Ltd. (“Anemoi”) and... Read more
