The mental health of Filipino seafarers has come under intense scrutiny. This is following the release of a recent study by the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP), a government-run maritime training and research institution.
The study, titled “Assessing the Mental Health and Well-Being of Filipino Seafarers,” reveals an increase in mental disorders among seafarers, with some cases resulting in suicide. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions and support systems to address the growing mental health crisis within the maritime industry.
Alarming Statistics: A Closer Look at the Data
From 2018 to 2022, a total of 189 Filipino seafarers were diagnosed with various mental disorders. Additionally, the numbers have been steadily increasing each year. 23 cases were recorded in 2018. This is an increase from 25 in 2019, 34 in 2020, 43 in 2021, and 64 cases in 2022. Anxiety and depressive disorders were identified as the most common mental health issues. They account for 46.03 percent and 38.62 percent of cases, respectively. Other notable disorders also included schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), each comprising 6.35 percent of the cases.
A concerning aspect of the study is the rise in suicide cases among seafarers. It rose from one case in 2018 to nine cases in 2022. This increase positions seafaring as one of the professions with a high risk of suicide.
Pandemic Exacerbates Mental Health Challenges
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a significant aggravating factor in the mental health challenges faced by seafarers. According to NMP Executive Director Victor Del Rosario, the pandemic led to increased reports of stress, anxiety, and depression among seafarers. The isolation experienced while at sea, combined with extended contracts due to global travel restrictions, significantly contributed to the mental strain of these workers.
The impact of age on mental health was also highlighted in the study. With seafarers aged 30 to 39 being the most affected, accounting for 42.86 percent of the cases. This was followed by those aged 40 to 49 at 25.93 percent and those aged 20 to 29 at 20.63 percent.
Causes of Mental Disorders: Family Conflicts and Work-Related Stress
The study delved into the underlying causes of mental disorders among seafarers. The survey revealed that 54.17 percent of respondents identified family and marital conflicts as the primary cause of their mental health issues. Additionally, 39.58 percent of seafarers cited work-related stress, while 20.84 percent noted adjustment issues within the work environment.
Elena Santos, head of the NMP’s maritime research and development division, pointed out that access to the internet has affected them greatly. While beneficial in many ways, it has made seafarers more aware of the problems their families face back home. This awareness, she noted, often exacerbates their stress levels and contributes to mental health challenges.
Recommendations for the Maritime Industry
Consequently, the NMP has issued several recommendations aimed at addressing the mental health crisis among Filipino seafarers. One of the key recommendations is for shipping companies to implement mental health awareness training and to conduct capacity-building programmes for the families of seafarers.
“The study recommends that shipping companies implement mental health awareness training and conduct capacity-building for families. We would like to inform the families that they have a big impact on the mental health of seafarers,” Santos stated during a press briefing.
The NMP has announced plans to introduce a mental health training course before the year ends. With the main goal of equipping seafarers and their families with the knowledge and tools needed to maintain mental well-being.
A Call for Urgent Action
Given this alarming rise, the NMP has called for the Philippine maritime industry to strengthen its advocacy on mental health. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop and implement appropriate programmes that can address these concerns effectively. They must subsequently ensure that seafarers receive the support they need to maintain a healthy state of mind.
The NMP, established by Presidential Decree 1369 in 1978, continues to fulfil its mandate to offer specialised training and conduct research on related issues. Its strategic location in Tacloban City, Leyte, also serves seafarers from various regions. They provide seafarers with accessible and high-quality maritime training services.
As the mental health crisis grows, the industry must take immediate action to safeguard the well-being of these workers.
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