Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS), a member of OneCare Group, has introduced digital communication hygiene workshops for Filipino seafarers and their families to help them manage the pressures associated with constant connectivity.
According to MHSS psychologists, while improved internet access has allowed seafarers to remain in regular contact with families during contracts, messages about financial pressures, family disagreements and household problems can also create additional stress for crew members who are unable to address issues from onboard.
The workshops are designed to help families develop healthier communication habits, including recognising which issues require immediate discussion and which can wait, particularly when problems cannot be resolved while the seafarer is at sea.
“Many of the seafarers we support receive messages about financial pressures, family disagreements, household problems or other personal concerns while they are thousands of miles from home,” said Karen Ibanez, Clinical Psychologist at Mental Health Support Solutions in the Philippines.
“Naturally, they want to help, but they are often powerless to do so. They are left carrying the emotional burden while continuing to perform demanding operational duties onboard.”
MHSS says that it plans to roll out the service to seafarers and families in other countries following this initial introduction.
