Stress happens!
Mental health is a hot topic. However, we shouldn’t be allowing issues to escalate to the point of having to train people to identify mental health problems. Instead we should create a positive work environment, which enables crew to work effectively and does not cause or exacerbate mental health problems. Sadly, the very nature of the environment can be challenging due to location, connectivity, time spent away from loved ones, etc. So, what is the answer?
Seafarers face many pressures on a daily basis and we recognise that stress is a growing concern within the Maritime Industry. Studies suggest that some stress is normal and can in fact enhance performance, however, prolonged stress can lead to physical and mental health problems and this is what needs to be addressed.
With increasing awareness of mental health issues, increasing cases of anxiety and suicides being reported and following on from ISWAN’s report on the well-being of Superyacht Crew, we came to the conclusion that prevention is better than cure. Although there is nothing new in this concept, we challenged ourselves to translate this into something tangible, that crew at every level would benefit from? And to also identify what would enable management ashore to support their crews afloat?
Stress Happens! is an engaging and interactive workshop designed to tap into existing knowledge for the purpose of collaborative learning and growth, in a subject that has been grossly under-valued in the past. Designed and facilitated by Medical professionals and experts in Leadership and Management, we aim address this important subject.
When it comes to mind and body health we believe that many people already demonstrate self-awareness, and so we decided to draw on that existing knowledge and create a vehicle through which these valuable experiences can be shared. In turn participants will come to recognise the small changes required in daily life, in order to maintain a healthy mind/body balance.
In terms of human behaviour it is important that we acknowledge our points of difference, but to also recognise when perhaps certain behaviours and characteristics become an issue for other people. How do you respond to the pressures of social media? Are you able to get the downtime you need to clear your head and make sense of your day? Are you aware of the impact that you are having on others? These are just some of the topics that will be discussed. We do not aim to “fix” individuals or their problems, nor are we training people to make a diagnosis. Instead our aim is to simply promote a deeper understanding of what makes each person tick. To encourage a greater awareness of the effects of individual behaviours and to provide the tools to prevent ‘good’ stress evolving into ‘bad’ stress and causing the problems that we hear about all too frequently, causing owners and crew to leave the industry.
The workshop is designed to link up with all the current resources available through various maritime charities and organisations, and part of the day will be to signpost crew to where they can seek further help should they feel they need it for themselves or those they support.
The workshop will be tailored to your unique requirements. For further information, please contact either: Karen Passman of Impact Crew on karen@impactcrew.com or Liz Baugh of Red Square Medical on liz@redsquaremedical.com
