World Suicide Prevention Day, shouldn’t be the only day in the year when mental health issues are talked about. Many seafarers are affected and the number of reported cases to mental health helplines and support lines are rising. Ignoring these issues can lead to suicide and the IASP (International Association for Suicide Prevention) suggests one in every 100 deaths worldwide is suicide, which is staggering.
Support for seafarers’ mental health is not just a responsibility for seafarers, but also shipping companies that should take on the mission to aid in mental health struggles. Encouragement to keep communication between friends and family is just one way the threat to mental health issues can be prevented. Other ways include creating awareness and breaking the taboo of talking about mental health.
Pressures have increased due to the global pandemic, which has seen significant stress added to seafarers’ duties, due to the demand the industry is receiving and restrictions that need to be resolved in operations. Being away at sea for long periods and facing issues such as being detained at ports for an unknown amount of time can leave a heavy mental toll on seafarers’ mental health.
Alandia Offer Free Online Mental Health Training
Martti Simojoki and Johanna Kull on the Loss Prevention team at Alandia, have recognised this and have developed a course called Alandia Mental Health Training which is available on Seably. The course focuses on creating a framework and tools to strengthen each seafarer’s mental health. Martti has many years’ practical experience working at sea from previous positions as a Captain and Marine Superintendent for a global shipping company. Remember, this is not a quick fix. To experience improvements from the course, seafarers have to use the tools continuously.
Martti Simojoki and Johanna Kull from Alandia's Loss Prevention Team
It is key to continue discussions and keep awareness of the issue top of mind: the more it is spoken about, the less of a taboo it will be.
Seably courses will offer insight for seafarers into what can trigger and affect mental health, whilst also offering solutions. The answers will help them understand more about the issues that can affect people’s mental health plus offers tools and ways to help nurture a supportive and compassionate culture for those at sea. Mental health issues will always be around, but we must do more to help those that need encouragement to build mental resilience.
