Mental Health Support for Offshore Workers

Anyone who has followed us for a while knows we at Precise Consultants are big believers in mental health initiatives. The offshore industry is undergoing seismic change as we inevitably move to a less fossil driven economy. An uncertain future, offshore rotations, harsh working environments in sometimes hazardous conditions, a macho environment and long working hours. It’s enough to make anyone anxious. Combine that with COVID-19, a challenging economy, a constant cycle of disturbing news and the home pressures that we all face, and you have a recipe for considerable mental health challenges. For an industry that’s expert at getting beneath the surface of things, turns out we could do a whole lot better at drilling down into mental health.

Recent years have seen more effort focused in this direction, and while it might be better late than never, it still represents significant improvements in the knowledge base that exists for the particular challenges that offshore workers face. From academic research to sector specifics like the Samaritans’ cooperation with Step Change in Safety, there is an increasing toolbox of help for our industry.

The industry needs to become a lot more proactive in its approach to mental health. Statistics and data are necessary and look good in the quarterly report, but until companies see the management of mental health as a positive that will improve all aspects of a business, including the bottom line, we still have work to do. Access to regular doctor’s appointments has long been a standard industry feature. After all, medicals are part of the deal if you work offshore. So why not include a mental health check-up as well? Access to low threshold mental health support would give massive benefits to companies and the individuals concerned.

Recent analysis of the shipping industry would suggest those at sea are up to 15 times more likely to die by suicide than those onshore. In July of last year, the third officer onboard the USNS Amelia Earhart walked onto the bridge and died by suicide. And while most deaths do not grab the headlines like this, it highlighted an important issue often overlooked for those working outside of a nation’s borders. Mental health initiatives rarely reach out to sea.

While the offshore industry isn’t quite as bad, it still has a significantly higher rate of cases than the general population. These figures tell us we still have a lot more work to do. Everyone who talks about mental health is helping to break down barriers. Having those conversations in the canteen, over coffee, in the drillers’ cabin, every chat is making you part of the solution.

And we want to be part of the solution too. This is why we have partnered up with SupportRoom to provide anyone who seeks mental health support access to SupportRoom’s online therapy services at a small price, exclusive to Precise Consultants. Through a comprehensive digital platform, SupportRoom provides access to personal dedicated therapists chosen based on your profile and particular needs. It provides a digital resource library of support articles, videos, and self-help ideas. With support from any phone or device and in the format you choose, SupportRoom is an easy-to-access and easy-to-use one stop shop for mental health support.

You can go here: SupportRoom, to check out the service and while you’re there, check out some of their blog articles on different aspects of mental health.

A simple conversation can be the difference between a mental health issue and a mental health crisis. Why not decide that today’s the day you’re going to talk? Sign up here!