Recognising when a crew member struggles with their mental health is essential. Working in a unique environment where we may not have Wi-Fi access and are away from our positive support network means that, as a team, we must pay attention to any mental health issues that a fellow crew member may be struggling with.
Here are some signs and indicators to help you identify when a crew member is facing mental health challenges:
- Changes in Behavior:
- Notable changes in work performance, such as a drop in productivity, lack of focus, or making mistakes.
- Frequently late for their shift.
- Withdrawal from social interactions with the crew. They may choose to have their meals in their cabin rather than the crew mess or decline to participate in crew activities.
- Increased irritability, mood swings, or uncharacteristic emotional outbursts. A captain reported similar traits here with a deck team member, unfortunately, a few months later, the crew member took his life.
- Physical Symptoms:
- Physical complaints such as headaches, fatigue, stomachaches, or other stress-related symptoms.
- Significant changes in appearance or personal hygiene.
- Emotional Signs:
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, or despair.
- Frequent crying or emotional distress at work.
- Increased sensitivity to criticism or a strong fear of making mistakes.
- Social Isolation:
- Avoidance of social gatherings or work-related events.
- Reduced participation in team activities or discussions.
- Decline in the quality of workplace relationships.
- Neglect of Responsibilities:
- Neglecting tasks or responsibilities.
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
- Increased Presenteeism:
- Presenteeism, where crew come to work but cannot perform at their usual level due to mental health issues.
- Expressed Mental Health Concerns:
- Sometimes, crew may directly express their struggles with mental health through conversations, emails, or other forms of communication. Take such disclosures seriously and respond empathetically.
- Changes in Work Relationships:
- Notice if the crew’s relationships with their team or superiors are deteriorating, especially if they were previously strong.
- Increased Substance Use:
- An increase in alcohol or drug use, or discussing substance use problems.
- Changes in Work Habits:
- Excessive perfectionism, overworking, or being unable to disconnect from work.
It’s important to remember that these signs do not necessarily confirm a mental health issue, but they should serve as potential red flags that prompt you to approach the crew member with care and concern. If you suspect that a crew member is struggling with mental health, here are some steps to take: ( Please note we highly recommend doing a mental health awareness course and mental health first aid course to equip you with the right skills to handle these challenges professionally. For more info on the courses, head to ww.thecrewcoach.com.
- Private Conversation:
- – Approach the employee privately and express your concern non-judgmentally and empathetically. Do not make light of their situation or use humour. That is completely inappropriate and will only aggravate their current thoughts and feelings.
- – Listen actively: give them an opportunity to share their feelings and experiences without interruption. Offer a supportive and empathetic ear.
- – Offer support: let the crew member know about resources such as counselling or yacht crew help.
- – Respect privacy: be mindful of their privacy and maintain confidentiality. Only share information with relevant individuals on a need-to-know basis.
- – Follow up: check in with the crew members regularly to see how they are doing and to ensure they receive the necessary support.
- – Promote a healthy workplace: Foster an onboard culture that values mental health and well-being, where crew feel comfortable discussing their challenges openly.
Remember that supporting a crew member’s mental health is the right thing to do and can lead to increased productivity, engagement, and retention onboard.
