Summary

According to the CDC, maritime workers face higher risks of injury, illness, and fatality than most other U.S. workers. But what’s often overlooked is the mental toll of this demanding work. Long hours, physical strain, and personal stress can lead to anxiety, depression, or worse. In fact, nearly 1 in 4 U.S. adults experienced a mental illness in 2023, and almost half received no treatment.

Signs To Watch For

Whether it’s you or a coworker, here are some red flags:

• Sudden mood changes or irritability
• Withdrawal from coworkers or family
• Fatigue or trouble sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Talking about feeling hopeless or being a burden

These signs may indicate someone is struggling, either personally or due to stress at home.

How to be Supportive

• Check in: A simple “Are you okay?” can open the door to a meaningful conversation.
• Listen without judgment: Let them talk. You don’t need to fix it, just be there to support.
• Create space: If someone needs privacy, offer a quiet area to talk.
• Know your resources: Encourage them to seek help.

As we have discussed in our recent safety committee sessions, normalizing these conversations is key. Mental health is a vital part of job safety. When someone is distracted or overwhelmed, it increases the risk for everyone.

Where to Get Help

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime for free, confidential support.