To coincide with World Mental Health Day on 10 October, the ITF Seafarers Trust and ITF Wellbeing are launching a hub of information for seafarers to support mental wellbeing.
“Hidden between the walls of steel.” These words from a seafarer describe the physical and mental exhaustion of seafarers experiencing the prolonged isolation and sheer relentlessness of the impact of the covid pandemic.
The image was one of 2,919 photos submitted to the ITF Seafarers’ Trust ‘Still at Sea’ photographic competition, whose winners will be announced on 30 October. The photos paint a varied picture of the states of mind of seafarers, both positive and negative. The Covid-19 pandemic affects us all, but for seafarers the impact is concentrated by the ongoing extensions of already long contracts.
‘Hidden between the walls of steel’ by Gerard Llanora ‘Seafarers’ hard times are kept inside these Walls of Steel. Strongmen as seen by many, but deep inside, weary like a child.’
In spite of all the difficulties, many words and pictures show seafarers finding solace in moments of camaraderie, the beauty of nature and the comforts of faith.
In these difficult times, it is more important than ever to all of us to be able to reach out to talk to people. The support of friends, family and colleagues is vital to all of us, but where they are not available or for difficult conversations, helplines and support services can provide a lifeline in difficult time.
In these difficult times, it is more important than ever to all of us to be able to reach out to talk to people. The support of friends, family and colleagues is vital to all of us, but where they are not available or for difficult conversations, helplines and support services can provide a lifeline in difficult time.
‘FRUSTRATION’ by Capt. Angelo U Panganiban "With prolonged crew contracts, never ending cancellations of flights home, many seafarers find it difficult, if not impossible, to strike a healthy balance between their work lives onboard and family lives causing deep emotional frustrations."
The new site provides a directory of helplines and links to materials developed by health professionals and unions specifically for seafarers. For more information, visit the Wellbeing Directory website here
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