Stress

Exposing any individual to physical, social or environmental stress for an extended period will make it difficult for the person to continue generally in their life. Seafarers are unfortunately exposed to various stress factors due to the demanding working environment onboard. These factors may include but not be limited to:

• Separation from family.
• Loneliness.
• Lack of sleep.
• Poor diet.
• Port inspections.
• Changing crew.
• Working under time pressures.
• Carrying out life-threatening jobs.
• Extreme temperatures.
• Heavy seas for an extended period.
• Claustrophobia.

When a person is stressed, they usually feel some of the following symptoms:

• Impatience.
• Aggressiveness.
• Sadness.
• Loneliness.
• Confusion.
• Eating too much or too little.
• Smoking or increased consumption drinking alcohol.
• Restlessness.
• Difficulty sleeping.
• Tiredness.
• Tenseness.
• Headaches and body pains.
• Feeling sick.

Unfortunately, for seafarers onboard, it is not as easy to get help compared with a person ashore. It is of the utmost importance to have some basic knowledge of how to make themselves feel better. This can be done by addressing the Effects & Causes of stress.

Effects of stress can be dealt with as a team, with the help of fellow crew members onboard. This is done by having a good social network onboard, including people who can support and help you feel better to ease the stress of your contract. Exercise and, where possible, taking time off will also assist in dealing with stress.

When addressing the causes of stress, a person would need to identify what is causing it in the first place. Addressing the problem and managing one's time most efficiently will aid in stress relief.