A study of 1572 seafarers by the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) and Yale University showed that around 28% tested positive for anxiety or depression (general population estimates of 6% in a German study and 5% in oil and gas workers using the same study methodology).
It is very important to take care of both your physical and mental health while working at sea.
GET HELP: here is a list of free helplines for seafarers.
- If you need advice, help or just to talk to someone, you could find a helpline in your region: itfseafarers.org/wellbeing-directory
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Speak to a chaplain. 24/7. This number is free to call: support-for-seafarers
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There is also a free helpline at ISWAN: seafarerhelp
It is important that we have up-to-date information about what it's really like to work at sea. There have been some studies but not enough. Take part in the international survey on seafarer's mental health here. Your answers are confidential. happyatsea/survey
This is a great website with lots of tools for building positive mental health: actionforhappiness
