We need to talk about suicide.
In a survey carried out by the International Transport Workers Federation and Yale University showed that 20% of the seafarers they interviewed had suffered from suicidal thoughts in the two weeks before the study. This is a very scary number. We need to talk about suicide.
Research shows that talking with someone can make things feel better. Just listening to someone can really help.
If you have been having suicidal thoughts, use this 24/ free helpline: seafarerhelp
There are also helplines around the world. Find one near you international-suicide-hotlines
What to do – Top 5 recommendations for seafarers
- Talk: Discuss your problems and spend quality time with your crew mates.
- Observe: Is your crew mate nervous, less talkative, more irritable or aggressive? This could be a sign.
- Care: Ask your crew mates how they are and share your concerns. Let them know they are not alone.
- Rest, eat, exercise: Physical wellbeing is the A and Z of mental wellbeing.
- Distract yourself: Take your mind off your worries by keeping busy and finding something else to do.
The World Health Organisation has more information and resources: World Health Organisation and suicide prevention
Check your mental health. Take the anonymous survey: sailors-society/check-mental-health
