Improving awareness of mental health
As fishers, you can spend long hours on the water, often in isolation, or with a small crew. While the peace and solitude can be therapeutic, the demanding nature of commercial fishing work and the underlining safety risks of days at sea can take a toll on mental health.
It’s crucial to recognise the signs that someone’s mental health might be deteriorating, including our own, so we need to be looking out for our mates to ensure our fishing community stays strong and resilient.
It only takes a few minutes to genuinely reach out and ask someone how they are doing. This will open the door for a conversation, but also bring the changing behaviours to your mate’s attention.
So, what signs might tell us that our mate is struggling?
Changes in Behaviour:
One of the first signs to watch for is a noticeable change in someone’s behaviour. This could include increased irritability, mood swings, or withdrawing from social interactions. If a usually talkative crew member becomes unusually quiet, or a calm person starts displaying anger more frequently, it might be time to check in with them.
Physical Symptoms:
Mental health is closely connected with overall wellness, so it often manifests physically. Look out for signs of fatigue, changes in eating or sleeping patterns, or complaints about unexplained aches and pains. If someone is consistently tired despite sufficient rest, or is losing or gaining weight rapidly, these could be indicators of underlying mental health concerns.
Performance Issues:
Pay attention to any decline in work performance. This might include a lack of focus, making mistakes they wouldn’t usually make, or showing a disinterest in tasks they previously enjoyed. For fishers, this could mean not following safety protocols, neglecting gear maintenance, or appearing distracted while on the job. These changes in safety management and risk mitigation are dangerous for your mate, as well as those around them, so watch closely for the signs.
Substance use or abuse:
An increase in alcohol consumption or drug use can be a red flag. While it’s common to unwind with a drink after a long day, reliance on substances to cope with stress or anxiety is concerning. If you notice a fellow fisher drinking more heavily or using drugs, it’s important to approach the situation with care and concern and not judgement. It’s not just the volume or frequency of alcohol, but also changing patterns.
Verbal Cues:
Sometimes, you can pick up signs in what people say. Listen for expressions of hopelessness, excessive worry, or talk of being a burden to others.
Comments about feeling trapped, having no purpose, or mentioning self-harm should never be ignored.
If normally positive mates are talking in negative or increasingly desperate ways, then you should feel comfortable asking them if they are okay, or want a chat.
If you notice these signs in yourself or a fellow fisher, it’s essential to take action.
The team at Stay Afloat are professionals with information specifically tailored to the commercial fishing industry, so grab some of their packages.
Everyone hits low points in life from time to time so encourage open conversations about mental health and have some information available on how your mates can seek support and advice.
You can also seek professional help through Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 to help keep the person safe.
Remember, looking out for each other is part of what makes our fishing community strong, and how we all make sure we stay afloat.