May was Mental Health Awareness Month and the CMTS Mariner Mental Health Working Group (MMHWG) reminds mariners that one year ago, and prompted by the stressors related to working under COVID 19, the U.S. Coast Guard issued Marine Safety Information Bulletin 07-21 that spotlighted the mental health of mariners. The prolonged nature of the pandemic compounded existing stressors and created new stressors on maritime personnel, including feelings of isolation, and physical and mental fatigue caused by pandemic-related restrictions on crew changes, shore leave, and repatriation of seafarers. USCG sought to assure mariners that seeking mental health care will not jeopardize a mariner's medical certification. In fact, the National Maritime Center (NMC) routinely approves medical certification for individuals who have stable, well controlled mental health conditions. MSIB 07-21 may be found at MSIB 07-21. The MMHWG is updating the list of mental health resources developed under the pandemic [CMTS Catalog Covid-19 Mental Health] and implementing an outreach plan to support mariners and the MTS workforce. If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, contact, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline . Trained crisis workers are available to talk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your confidential and toll-free call goes to the nearest crisis center in the Lifeline national network. These centers provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals.
1-800-273-TALK (8255) TTY: 1-800-799-4889
suicidepreventionlifeline.org
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