Hi everyone, it’s Angela Wyatt, your ship’s nurse. Today I want to talk about one of the most “invisible” challenges at sea—mental health. We often focus on physical ailments, but stress, isolation, and shift work can lead to depression, anxiety, and conflicts within the team.

During my service I’ve seen officers and guests reach out because they felt constant fatigue, irritability, or insomnia. Life in a confined space, endless sailings and ports, and a disrupted circadian rhythm all add extra strain on the mind.

Here are a few practical measures we’ve put in place on our ship:

– Regular “mental breaks.” We schedule short 10-minute pauses not just for rest, but for mindful walks on deck without phones or conversation. It helps clear the mind and reduce anxiety.

– Access to tele-counseling. We offer a telemedicine service where anyone can speak anonymously with a psychologist or therapist. Sometimes a single professional conversation helps more than DIY solutions.

– Group activities and hobby clubs. We run a weekly yoga and meditation group, plus monthly “movie nights” in our small theater. Shared events build camaraderie and offer a welcome distraction.

– Training for supervisors. Every senior officer completes a brief course on spotting signs of burnout and conflict within the crew. Early detection is key—if someone seems withdrawn, reaching out can make all the difference.

– Educational materials. Infographics about stress symptoms, breathing exercises, and anonymous hotlines are posted in the medical bay and crew rest areas.

Since implementing these measures, we’ve seen a significant drop in stress-related incidents and more people proactively seeking help. Remember: mental health is just as important as physical health. If you notice worrying signs in yourself or your teammates, don’t hesitate to ask for support. Take care of yourselves and each other, and may you feel as comfortable at sea as you do at home!