Mental health for ourselves and crew during difficult times
The following article was written by STAR Center Manager, Medical Training, Lesley Karentz, RN.
Mariners have experienced unique and unprecedented events and hardships related to the COVID-19 impact on shipping. Issues can include quarantine periods away from home before joining the vessel, delayed crew changes that extended time on board or the inverse, or an inability to return to work as a result of travel restrictions. Some vessels have also experienced "gangway up" orders for extended periods. All of these situations have the potential of causing strain on an individual's ability to cope. In some cases, mariners may have limited access to shoreside resources and may find themselves wanting for guidance on how to help a crew member that may be struggling with the added stressors and/or mental health concerns.
Below are a few resources that can provide an introduction on how to open a conversation with an individual who may be in need. These resources are also useful in dealing with these issues on a personal level.
George Everly, Jr., PhD is a Professor at the Center for Public Health Preparedness and has teamed up with Johns Hopkins University to offer a course in Psychological First Aid. He defines Psychological First Aid as a compassionate and supportive presence designed to mitigate acute distress and assess the need for continued mental health care.
This is a self-paced course and takes approximately 6 hours to complete. It is available online and is free of charge.
In addition, the following links have been developed and distributed by the International Seafarers Welfare & Assistance Network (ISWAN) and the International Transportation Workers' Federation (ITF). They are specifically for the maritime community and available to all free of charge.
Resources:
- https://www.seafarerswelfare.org/seafarer-health-information-programme/good-mental-health
- https://www.itfseafarers.org/en/health
Documents:
- Steps to positive mental health (ISWAN)
- Psychological wellbeing at sea
- Managing stress and sleeping well at sea
Mental health is as important as physical health and should be looked at as a whole. It is hoped that these resources will be useful and offer some insight and perspective for you and on how to offer Psychological First Aid to a crew member in these difficult times.