Dealing with Depression at Sea

Photo by Maximilian Weisbecker on Unsplash

Life at sea can be tough. A study conducted by international maritime charity Sailors’ Society and Yale University showed that 26 percent of seafarers felt “hopeless, down or depressed” for several days over the previous weeks.

Forty-five percent of the respondents who said they felt depressed said they did not ask anybody for help. About a third said they turned to friends and families but only 21 percent said they tried to reach out to their colleagues on board.

There are many factors why seafarers are prone to depression and other mental health issues, with the common causes being at a distance from loved ones, and being holed up on board for extended periods of time.  How can seafarers deal with depression while at sea? Here are some tips:

Use technology to stay in touch

Thanks to technology, seafarers today have more options to stay in touch with their loved ones. Many ships also have access to the Internet. Check in with your family and friends regularly through Viber, Messenger, or Facebook. Use technology to stay updated with them and to also share what goes on in your day. Make sure that you use technology responsibly though. 

Make friends on board

Seafarers need to establish connection and friendship with their colleagues. If you’re feeling sad and lonely because you’re far from home, it’s likely that your colleagues feel the same. Reach out to them, ask them about themselves, spend time with each other. It’s always important to have meaningful connections with others.

Be involved with your hobbies

Have a hobby while on board. Read books (load up on ebooks to save space), watch movies, sing, or write. A seafarer’s work day is jam-packed with responsibilities. When you are off duty, make time for yourself and do something that keeps your mind off work.

Engage in physical activity

Exercise is a great way to combat depression. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which trigger a positive feeling in the body. Exercise is also a great way to look good physically. When you look good, you also feel good.

Develop your sense of awe

Learn to appreciate the beauty of this world. When you can, catch the sunrise and sunset. Marvel at how beautiful the sky is, how vast the ocean is, how great the moon looks. Developing your sense of awe allows you to see the world differently.

Celebrate the small wins

Life on board can be tough but when you celebrate the small wins, things get a little bit easier. Pat yourself for a job well done or for accomplishing tasks. When your loved ones share good news at home, celebrate it, as well. Acknowledging little victories help you appreciate what you have and give you a sense of fulfillment.

Look forward to something

Count the days when you’ll be back at home, enjoying the comforts of your family and friends. Look forward to the day when you’ll finally build your own house. Remember that you’re working because you have a goal you want to reach. Keeping your eye on the goal gives you purpose.

Maximize mental health programs for seafarers

If there are counselors on board, make sure to set an appointment with them. Get in touch with organizations such as SeafarerHelp or Wellness at Sea. You can also download the Wellness at Sea app.

Life at sea can be difficult but with a little change of mindset and with the help of others, it can be more manageable.