Study shows rising mental disorder cases among Filipino seafarers

TACLOBAN: Concerns have been raised over rising cases of mental disorders among Filipino seafarers, some of which led to suicide, according to a recent study of the state-run National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP). The results of the research study titled 'Assessing the Mental Health and Well-Being of Filipino Seafarers' highlight the critical need for targeted interventions and support to curb mental disorders, said NMP Executive Director Victor Del Rosario in a press briefing late Monday. From 2018 to 2022, some 189 Filipino seafarers were diagnosed with mental disorders, with cases steadily increasing every year. There were 23 cases in 2018; 25 in 2019; 34 in 2020; 43 in 2021; and 64 in 2022. Anxiety (46.03 percent) and depressive disorders (38.62 percent) were the most common, followed by schizophrenia (6.35 percent), and post-traumatic stress disorder (6.35 percent). Del Rosario said that suicide cases saw a concerning rise, from one case in 2018 to nine cases in 2022, marking seafaring as one of the pr ofessions with high suicide risks. 'The pandemic exacerbated mental health issues, with increased reports of stress, anxiety, and depression among seafarers. The isolation and extended contracts due to travel restrictions contributed significantly to their mental strain,' the official said, citing study findings. Age group analysis revealed that seafarers aged 30 to 39 (42.86 percent) of the respondents were most affected, followed by those aged 40 to 49 (25.93 percent) and 20 to 29 (20.63 percent). At least 54.17 percent of seafarers claimed that marital and family conflicts were the primary cause of their mental disorders, followed by work-related stress (39.58 percent) and adjustment issues in the work environment (20.84 percent). Elena Santos, head of the NMP's maritime research and development division, said access to the internet makes seafarers more aware of the problems their families face. 'The study recommends that shipping companies implement mental health awareness training and conduct capaci ty building for families. We would like to inform the families that they have a big impact on the mental health of seafarers,' Santos told reporters. The NMP will start offering the mental health training course before the year ends, according to her. Given all these data, there is an urgent need for the Philippine maritime industry to strengthen advocacy on mental health and to come up with appropriate programs to address these mental health concerns among Filipino seafarers to help them maintain a healthy state of mind, according to the NMP. Participating in the 2023 study were 263 shipping companies and 417 Filipino seafarers. NMP is a government maritime training and research center created by Presidential Decree 1369. It is mandated to offer specialization and upgrading courses for merchant marine officers and ratings and to conduct research and studies on the latest maritime technologies and other related matters for the maritime industry. The law established the NMP in Tacloban City, Leyte, in 197 8. The strategic location of NMP in this city, directly at the base of the San Juanico Bridge, made maritime training services accessible to seafarers from Eastern Visayas, Southern Luzon, Central Visayas, and Northern Mindanao. Source: Philippines News Agency