Volume 4 Issue 3 September 2015 Contents: HealthWatch Dear Seafarer, 4 –Recognising depression 5 –Suicide case studies 8 –Keeping in touch, Wellness at Sea 2 – Factors of depression 3 The isolation of seafaring 7 Peace of mind – Steps you can take – Seek help Beating stress and depression Andreas Lubitz, the co-pilot at the controls of the Germanwings jet that crashed into the French Alps in March this year, had a mental illness but kept this hidden from his employer and colleagues. Of course, if someone develops a mental illness it is not something a colleague can necessarily spot, but there are often signs that in hindsight could have led to helping a colleague in distress. The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that more than 800,000 people die due to suicide every year and it is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds. Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families and communities and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind and seafaring is one of the recognised high risk occupations for suicide. Seafarers are exposed to loneliness with separation from family and friends, often spending months away from home and working unsociable shifts. They experience stress and fatigue and there are often cultural differences with colleagues on board. There are also short turnarounds which reduce the amount of shore leave. A combination of these factors can lead to anxiety and depression and in some cases to suicide. The most effective means of trying to prevent problems with mental health and to avoid stress is to encourage open communication amongst the crew. Senior management ashore and the officers on board should be acutely aware of the need to maintain a high level of social interaction and impose a transparent and positive culture on board the ship. Mentoring should also be encouraged and this is explored in a little more detail in this edition. Mentoring can help guide, support and inspire junior colleagues and can help them to bridge the gap that can exist between their shore life where there is constant contact with family and friends through social media, and their life at sea where there will not necessarily be live communication with those back home and probably minimal e-mail opportunities. Senior officers can also raise awareness of mental health problems at safety meetings and on other occasions. Any symptoms recognised should be discussed with senior management ashore to ensure that help is provided and a solution found for any problems. In this edition of Health Watch we highlight a Wellness at Sea programme launched by the Sailors’ Society that aims to update seafarer training to meet the psychological demands of the 21st century. If you have any questions or comments about any of the articles in this issue, please do not hesitate to contact us using the email address on the back cover. HealthWatch Isolation and loneliness Absence of family and friends For those feeling lonely or vulnerable it is adviseable to seek out the company of others rather than remain on their own. Taking part in recreational activities with colleagues can really help. Stress Work pressures, money worries, relationship problems and life-changing moments (such as becoming a new parent) can all leave a person feeling unable to cope. Limited shore leave The fast turnaround times of modern ships often result in limited time in port and therefore less opportunity for shore leave. Cultural differences There are often many nat