SEAFARER'S MENTAL HEALTH
Mental illness among seafarers is of growing concern and it is believed that mental health problems may contribute to many other physical health conditions that seafarers experience.
Due to the nature of their work, seafarers are often separated from their families and support networks for long periods of time and may feel very lonely. The fast turnaround times of modern ships often result in limited time for shore leave.
Seafarers who are severely depressed, thinking of suicide or self harm may not tell their fellow crew members because mental illness is not discussed openly in their cultures.
It is hoped that the information on this website will give Masters information needed to identify crew members at risk and help depressed seafarers on their ships.
Seafarers Mental Health is a joint Project of:
* Melbourne Port Welfare Association
* beyondblue: the national depression initiative
* The Rotary Club of Melbourne South
* Stella Maris Sefarers' Centre
* The Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Bob Iversen
Project Manager