Mental wellness is becoming increasingly important in all professions, particularly the trucking industry which requires long hours, difficult physical demands, and the potential for hazardous weather conditions. As professional truck drivers often work alone on the road for extended periods of time, it’s essential to raise awareness about mental health and wellness within this field to ensure that anyone working as a trucker can stay both mentally and physically healthy.
Recognizing Warning Signs
Every driver should have an understanding of the warning signs when it comes to their own mental health, such as depression or anxiety. Additional signs may include changes in sleeping patterns, motor skills or attention span; feelings of hopelessness or helplessness; difficulty concentrating on tasks; lack of interest in activities you previously enjoyed; feeling irritable or disconnected from your surroundings; persistent negative thoughts; difficulty making decisions; sudden mood swings and changes in behavior. If any of these signs are present, then it’s important to seek help from a qualified mental health professional.
Coping Strategies
It also helps to be aware of helpful coping strategies that can assist with managing stress levels while on the road. These could involve making time for enjoyment throughout the day (such as listening to music or reading); exercising regularly (which releases endorphins that can naturally boost one’s mood); talking with friends or family members (especially if they’re familiar with what truckers go through on a daily basis); getting enough sleep at night (seven to nine hours is ideal); setting realistic goals for each leg of your trip (knowing you have milestones already set will help in keeping proper motivation during those long hauls); eating healthy meals/snacks throughout your travels (nutrition plays an important role in overall mental wellbeing!); and finally, investing some time into hobbies that may help relieve boredom during downtime stretches between stops.
It’s always important to remember that maintaining good mental health is essential for all professions—but especially so when it comes to truckers who must often face extended periods on their own throughout each trip they take across America’s roads! It’s imperative for everyone working within this industry to understand both their personal risk factors & warning signs associated with mental health issues—as well as developing their own customized plan for dealing with them.
By raising awareness about these topics & gaining access to resources that provide assistance – we can make sure no one driving along America’s highways ever has to feel like they need to take this journey without support.
Resources
SAMHSA’s National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
This is a confidential, free, 24/7/365 information service for individuals or family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. The service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 or use Lifeline Chat on the web
The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Veterans Crisis Chat
Use the Veterans Crisis Chat on the web
The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that connects veterans 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with a trained responder. The service is available to all veterans and those who support them, even if they are not registered with the VA or enrolled in VA healthcare.
Disaster Distress Helpline
Call or text 1-800-985-5990
The disaster distress helpline provides immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. The helpline is free, multilingual, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
