The last quarter of 2023 saw a sharp increase in the number of calls regarding mental health concerns across the various helplines operated by the International Seafarers Welfare Assistance Network (ISWAN).
IIn particular, ISWAN highlights in its last quarter infographic of 2023 that contacts (calls or messages) related to mental health issues have increased by 44% quarter-on-quarter. From October to December 2023, ISWAN received 128 calls related to psychological issues, up from 89 calls in the previous quarter. This represents the highest quarterly total since the current helpline reporting system was established in his 2019. ISWAN’s free and confidential helplines for seafarers, SeafarerHelp and Yacht Crew Help, both saw the highest number of calls related to mental health per quarter, with a 46% increase. 58% each.
Experiencing some type of abuse, bullying, harassment, discrimination, or violence were the issues most closely associated with mental health difficulties. Just over 13% of seafarers who contacted ISWAN’s helpline regarding mental health concerns between October and December 2023 also reported experiencing some type of sexual abuse, harassment, physical abuse or discrimination based on nationality at sea. reported experiencing abuse. Some seafarers reported being required to work in extremely stressful conditions, exceeding working time regulations. In fact, 11% of seafarers reported that fatigue was a factor in their mental health problems.
As explained, working conditions were the main driver of mental health issues for many seafarers who contacted ISWAN’s helpline, but approximately 11% of seafarers said that issues in their personal life were affecting their mental health. I reported. Seafarers asked ISWAN for assistance in dealing with difficulties such as strained relationships due to long periods of separation.
ISWAN helpline data consistently shows that female seafarers are disproportionately affected by mental health issues at sea. In the fourth quarter, when seafarers’ gender identities were known, 24% of those who contacted ISWAN’s helpline with mental health concerns were women and 75% were men. Overall for the quarter, 9% of those who contacted the helpline were women and 89% were men. ISWAN helpline data shows that women are more likely than men to experience abuse at sea, which is one of the main factors behind the higher incidence of mental health problems among female seafarers.
The fact that the number of calls to the ISWAN helpline regarding mental health in the fourth quarter was at a record high, is a strong indication that although COVID-19 has passed, life remains extremely difficult for many seafarers. I am. There is now a growing understanding across the maritime sector of the specific challenges of maintaining mental health at sea.
…ISWAN CEO Simon Grainge said:
We are also seeing very encouraging progress in developing a leadership culture that more effectively supports seafarer well-being. However, ISWAN’s helpline data shows that there is still a long way to go when it comes to ensuring all seafarers have a safe and respectful working environment that protects their health and well-being.
…Simon added.
ISWAN reported last quarter that 16% of seafarers who raised mental health issues in the second quarter of 2023 had experienced abuse, bullying, harassment, discrimination and violence (ABHDV).
