ABSTRACT

For several years, the topic of mental health among seafarers was given little to no notice. In recent years and only during the COVID-19 pandemic was the importance of seafarers' mental health finally given attention. Studies have demonstrated that seafarers are exposed to various mental, psychosocial, and physical stresses. Anxiety disorders were the most common diagnosis which was mainly due to adjustment in a new work environment. Though several studies on stressors and coping mechanisms have already been conducted, there is still a lack of data on the number of mental disorder cases and suicide cases which makes it difficult to understand the extent of the problem. This study was a qualitative descriptive research that was participated in by 263 shipping companies and/or crewing agencies and 417 Filipino seafarers. George Engel’s biopsychosocial model of mental health was used as the study framework to discuss the interrelated factors that contribute to the overall mental health and well-being of the respondents. The results showed that although Filipino seafarers are generally satisfied with their lives and generally feel safe when they go to work on board vessels, there has been an increasing trend of Filipino seafarers diagnosed with mental disorders in the past five years. Likewise, suicide cases are also rising. Anxiety disorders were still the most common diagnoses, which were mainly brought about by family-related and work-related problems, followed by depressive disorders. It is also worth mentioning that psychotic disorders and post-traumatic stress disorders are now being reported as well. Given all these data, there is an urgent need for the Philippine maritime industry to strengthen advocacy on mental health and to come up with appropriate programs and/or projects to address these mental health concerns among Filipino seafarers to help them maintain a healthy state of mind.