One of the significant health issues at this time has to do with mental well-being. Some weeks ago, a young journalist recorded a video about his struggles with depression and scheduled its release on his Facebook page a few days after he was found dead in his hotel room. Early this year, the drummer of a rock band live-streamed his suicide for all to see. There are other cases, of course, some of them are less publicized.
Difficult relationships, trauma, health challenges, financial worries, and problems with one’s career or job are just some of the reasons people get stressed. If not managed, stress could sometimes lead to depression. There is a significant portion of our population that is exposed to triggers or challenges that may lead to stress and, eventually, mental-health problems.
As a maritime nation, we have many men and women who work at sea for long periods of time, like the crew members of cargo vessels and cruise ship staff. They are often at sea for months, or even years, working away from their country and loved ones. These people are exposed to challenges that are specific to their occupation: isolation, feeling of helplessness about family problems back home, challenges related to living and working with people from various cultural backgrounds, and other struggles.
They are, however, active contributors to nation building as they help keep the economy healthy and support their families so their children can become good citizens of this country. They deserve our attention and respect, and one way to offer this is by looking closely at their situation and finding out how specific stakeholders—the government (Department of Health, Department of Labor and Employment/Overseas Workers Welfare Administration), their shipping companies or employers, recruitment centers, insurance companies, workers’ union, etc.—can address their problems or difficulties. As mentioned earlier, one of their struggles has to do with mental health. These stakeholders are therefore encouraged to put systems and programs in place to prevent an increase in the number of cases and to help those who are suffering from mental illness.
According to a 2013 study, the suicide rate among seafarers is the second-highest on record, next to the coal miners. And 15 percent of those people dying at sea are dead because of suicide, making it the most common cause of onboard deaths. There is another global study done by Yale University and the International Maritime Charity Sailors’ Society that showed that 26 percent of seafarers show signs of depression. Many of them, 45 percent to be exact, don’t go to anyone for assistance. Perhaps this is because of the stigma attached to mental-health conditions. People are generally wary about coming out with it because there are many who continue to judge or discriminate against sufferers. They are especially hesitant because they do not want their jobs to be adversely affected.
To be continued