Editor’s note: May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, bringing attention to the impacts of on well-being. Capt, Kelly Gordon, who frequently speaks about mental health, wrote the following to urge the yachting community to pay attention and make a difference.
As a yacht captain navigating the vast and unpredictable seas, I have witnessed the toll that the demanding nature of yachting can take on mental health. Behind the glamour and luxury of the lifestyle lies a reality often overlooked. Crewmembers, including captains, face pervasive challenges to mental well-being.
In recent years, awareness has grown of mental-health issues in various industries. Yet, the yachting sector still grapples with its own set of unique stressors. Crewmembers spend months away from their families and support networks. They work long hours in high-pressure environments. They face isolation and loneliness at sea. There’s additionally an ever-growing drug and alcohol abuse problem and a concerning number of sexual assault cases. And those are only the reported situations.
The transient nature of the yacht life added to these intense situations exacerbates feelings of disconnection and instability. It leads to anxiety, depression, and other mental-health concerns.
As captains, we hold a pivotal role in shaping the yachting culture and the environment onboard. We are responsible not only for the safety and operation of the vessel, but also for our crewmembers’ wellbeing. It is imperative that we recognize the importance of prioritizing mental health and take proactive steps to support our team.
First and foremost, captains must foster an open and inclusive culture onboard where crewmembers feel comfortable discussing their mental-health concerns without fear of judgment or stigma. Communication is key. Creating regular opportunities for crewmembers to check in and share their experiences can help to build trust and camaraderie within the team.
Furthermore, captains should prioritize crew rest and downtime, ensuring adequate time off to recharge and rejuvenate. Implementing structured work schedules and promoting work-life balance can help to mitigate burnout and reduce the risk of mental-health issues.
Education and awareness are also essential components of promoting mental well-being onboard. Captains should undergo training in mental-health aid to equip themselves with the skills to identify and respond to signs of distress among crewmembers. Additionally, providing resources such as access to counseling services and mental-health support networks can be invaluable to those in need.
It is crucial for captains to lead by example and prioritize their own mental health, too. Perhaps more important, though, is leading with vulnerability and compassion and staying committed to being our authentic selves. By demonstrating self-care practices and seeking support when needed, captains can set a positive precedent. Simultaneously, they can create a culture of wellness onboard. And by leading with vulnerability and being our authentic selves, we will encourage the same from the remainder of the crew. The result: the most trusting teams that will outperform many in their sector when led by captains who foster this method of leadership.
Addressing mental health in the yachting industry requires a collective effort from captains, crewmembers, and industry stakeholders alike. By fostering a supportive and compassionate environment onboard and encouraging crew to advocate for themselves and their crew mates, captains and all crew can play a pivotal role in promoting mental well-being and creating a safer, healthier, and more resilient workforce. And all crew deserve a safe place to thrive and work. Together, let us navigate the waves of mental health with empathy, understanding, and solidarity.
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