Conclusion
To continue the discussion on the mental well-being of seafaring Filipinos, I wish to cite a few of the measures for prevention or intervention, as enumerated by an actual mariner, Mr. Jason Tulipan. He was, at some point in his career, struggling with the same challenges, but he was able to transcend the difficulties.
One important point, he said, is the company’s commitment to a positive mental-health culture. This means that the policies in effect must be consistent with this positive culture and must be strictly implemented from the top level to the ranks.
This is important so that any seaman or employee will not hesitate to come forward and ask for help, thereby opening the lines of communication and assuring the workers that their jobs are not going to be jeopardized because of the issues they are going through.
There are signs to watch out for, and if every ship has someone on board who can recognize these signs, then intervention may be offered immediately. Nervousness, forgetfulness, anxiety, frustration, and irritability are just some of the clues that a person could be suffering from a mental-health condition. Also included are changes in sleeping and eating habits, loss of concentration, and feelings of helplessness. Immediate intervention is key in preventing the deterioration of a patient’s mental-health condition. If these problems are not immediately addressed, then the patient may become depressed, thereby endangering not only his own life but also the lives of the other crew members on the ship.
Activities on board like meditation or mindfulness training or sessions, physical exercises, and programs for healthy eating are just some of the things that will also help. Seafarers must have access to information (books, magazines, web sites, etc.) related to these topics. And speaking of information, it is, likewise, important for the government (and all other stakeholders) to initiate discussions and campaigns toward ending prejudices and the stigma attached to mental-health issues. These measures will most likely help to empower the sufferers to open up and ask for support.
In the Philippines, the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines is the organization that is trying to help “deliver holistic programs and services” to Filipino seafarers. It offers the members benefits like medical and dental services and 24/7 access to the services of mental-health professionals. Medical and dental services, including psychiatric consultations, are also open to the seafarers’ dependents. For those on board, AMOSUP has a 24/7 hot line that seafarers can call for any medical concern, mental-health issues included.
To close, allow me to reiterate what I wrote last week: Our seafaring men and women 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. 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.
The columnist can be reached through e-mail at morales.aimeerom@gmail.com.