[Column] MENTAL HEALTH: BEYOND AWARENESS－Examples of concrete policies by shipping companies that can help prevent the development of mental illnesses and/or the deterioration of the mental health of seafarers 6 March 2025 Tweet Medical Director, Dr. Edgardo Antonio A. del Rosario Del Rosario Pandiphil Inc.   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This column features the article contributed by our Association to "Mariners' Digest Vol.75", published in October 2024 by the Japan Shipping Exchange, Inc. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Highlights   In this article, Dr. Edgardo Antonio A. del Rosario, Medical Director of Del Rosario Pandiphil Inc., our correspondent in Manila briefly talks about the next steps after awareness in order to achieve a truly inclusive maritime industry with regards to mental health; including policies against harassment and bullying, and eliminating the stigma commonly associated with mental health issues/illnesses.     Seafarers' Mental Health and Working Environment   “ The only thing constant in the world is change ” is a quote credited to the Greek philosopher Heraclitus. And change, for some more than others, can be a source of substantial distress that can adversely affect an individual’ s mental health especially in cases wherein the individual is ill equipped to adapt to these changes. Thus, it is increasing the likelihood of developing mental health issues such as mood disorders like depression, and stress related disorders like anxiety and adjustment disorders.   The World Health Organization defines mental health as a state of well-being in which an individual can realize his/her own potential, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and make a contribution to