Prisilla Nadar

October 10^th is celebrated as an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. It was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organization with members and contacts in more than 150 countries.

To create awareness among people the World Health Organization (WHO) celebrates ‘World Mental Health day,’ every year on 10th October.

Talking about mental illness is still considered a taboo in India. To break this barrier and emphasis the importance of mental health, Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) along with International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) London held a webinar on ‘Stress Management and Mental wellbeing of seafarers’ on 10th October.

The webinar aimed at spreading awareness on mental health & wellbeing with efforts being made by ITF London & FSUI in supporting transport workers (seafarers). Over thousands of seafarers worldwide participated for this webinar through Facebook Live.

Mr Manoj Yadav, General Secretary, FSUI welcomed the audience and said, “We are more serious about job and job security rather than a job which is mentally peaceful; we just want to convince the seafarers that mental health is also important. The government must definitely look into mental stress of the seafarers.”

He spoke on several issues that have developed due to Covid19 pandemic; loss of jobs, delays in sign off, delays in getting employment that Unions are doing best to include in CBA’s all benefits under MLC2006, seafarers plight due to fraudulent agents, self-migration instead of E-migration, and courageous step by ITF against fraudulent agents to name a few. He assured that FSUI is there and available at all times to assist seafarers.

Ms Liza Hazarica, Psychologist & Therapist, FSUI SEACALL spoke on technicality of Mental Health & wellbeing. ‘Most of the cases reported are about missing families, falling prey to fake agents etc. An individual is made up of physical, mental and spiritual health, everything is interconnected,” she said. Ms Hazarica urged seafarers to not try to cope up with alcohol if they are stressed, instead they can have a balanced diet, get adequate sleep and keep the mind busy with physical activity.

Dr Asif Altaf Chowdhury, Global Wellbeing Program Coordinator, ITF London spoke on need to spread awareness and articulated, “Life is extremely challenging for seafarers. They face several issues such as an extremely demanding work environment, adherence to strict deadlines, different time zones, interdependency in teams and being completely away from their families and friends.  All these factors have a negative influence on the mental health of seafarers, which can lead to stress and depression. At the same time, working in an isolated environment makes it harder for seafarers to access information, counselling, medical and related services to decrease the risk of being depressed.”

On ITF’s initiative, Dr Chowdhury informed that to respond to the specific conditions created by the Covid-19 pandemic, the ITF launched their innovative ‘Reflect, Recognise, and Reach out’ digital campaign. The campaign utilises social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to share information, advice, and support on managing stress, depression, and other mental health issues. Based on three core pillars, the campaign encourages seafarers to reflect on the challenges being faced and the effects on their mental health so they could be addressed, recognise the early signs and symptoms of stress to mitigate the effects, and ultimately reach out to get support, while signposting to services and other sources of support.

He continued further that other long-standing initiatives offered by the programme included the provision of training and technical support to ITF affiliates to enable their members’ access to high quality 24/7 tele-counselling on a range of wellbeing issues, including mental health. This sees the organisation working with large-scale seafaring unions such as the National Union of Seafarers India (NUSI), Associated Marine and Seafarers Union of Philippines (AMOSUP), Forward Seafarers Union of India (FSUI), National Union of Seafarers Sri Lanka (NUSS), and Seafarers’ Union of Turkey (TDS), to maximise the benefits.

“To increase awareness of and access to the counselling services available to seafarers and their families, the ITF has created the ITF Seafarers’ Wellbeing Directory – library of factsheets and guidance sheets, and Facebook page – Messenger as a means to contact the ITF for support and guidance on their specific needs). ITF Website also provides data on fraudulent agents worldwide, www.itfshipbesure.org so please check before you get involved with any agents. ITF will assist any seafarers worldwide and hoping 2022 will be better,” concluded Dr Chowdhury.

Capt Nazir Upadhye, Master Mariner & Adviser to FSUI said workers in transport sector face unique set of challenges due to nature of work, personal life, and risky environment causing stress. He highlighted the following:-

Current crises due to Covid19-22: Loss of jobs, Isolation, Uncertainty of travel, Anxiety of RTPCR tests results. He happily informed that ITF & FSUI is creating good environment for Transport workers and are available 365 days 24×7 for assistance. He advised then to contact FSUI SEACALL or any of peer supporter First Responder; and if they were in doubt to call Mr Manoj Yadav, Gen Secretary FSUI.

Peer Support: is an individual who is equal in rank, merit, age, trustworthy, honest, secrecy is maintained & understand empathy.

First Responder: is a person primarily trained to give first aid to person in distress.

Why focus on wellbeing: Happier people are more productive, less prone to physical & mental health issues & have higher resilience.

WHO:

Key Facts: Negative work environments lead to mental health problems such as Depression, Anxiety & have big negative economic impact.

Over View: 264 million people suffer from depression and unemployment is well recognised as mental health issue.

Good Policies: Identification of Distress, Informing all that support is available.

Employers Should Know: Every 1 US $ spent on mental wellbeing they will earn 4 US $

Stress Management: Likes & Dislikes, positive & negative effects. Acceptance & seek help is the only solution.

Mental wellbeing: is associated with mind and breathing control.

Lastly Mr G Srinivas shared his experience on how to cope with depression. All the panelists with their expertise knowledge mentioned ways and means to get through depression and stress. They stressed upon an individual to be well prepared mentally and physically before getting onboard.

Marex Media