News 10 Feb, 2022 Qwest Care: Crew Mental Health Awareness of mental health issues in the maritime industry is increasing, though careful consideration of next steps is vital, writes Dr Rachel Glynn-Williams, Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Director of Recall Recover Ltd, Consultants to Qwest Care  Download PDF Dr. Rachel Glynn-Williams Clinical Psychologist,  Clinical Director of Recall Recover Ltd   It is really encouraging to see that issues concerning mental health in the maritime sector are finally achieving the wider prominence they have long needed. Inevitably, Covid has had something to do with this. The plight of seafarers stranded on vessels for months on end triggered an increase of empathy and concern among many people ashore, as they encountered lockdowns and similar confinements of their own on land. Until recent times, the issue of mariners’ mental health was still overshadowed by a common but outdated perception of seafarers as a breed apart. Unhelpful views of mental health would hold anything other than hardy resilience as a sign of weakness and lack of fitness for the job. For those from certain backgrounds and cultures, it could also be a source of shame or fear. Modern views recognise that seafarers make up one of the most resilient workforces in the world, but are still human, with all that entails: nevertheless, stigma can still make it difficult to speak out. The pandemic has given those who are land-based a sobering insight into the anguish and apprehension caused  by separation from loved ones for an undefined length of time, with restricted freedoms and limited access to recreation; conditions which come as standard for the seafarer. Maritime workers ashore have been subject to extreme restrictions, both personal and professional, which have made their welfare an important  area of concern. However, for the sea- going workforce the vastly extended periods of isolation at sea, lack of shore leave, breakdown in crew