The spead of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has undeniably caused stress and anxiety on everyone. Seafarers are not immune to this, despite being used to isolation. Challenges such as stricter regulations, increasing port restrictions and extended contracts for some, coupled with uncertainties back home, can be overwhelming.
Let these tips from the World Health Organization (WHO) help you cope better during this global health crisis:
- Minimize watching, reading or listening to news that causes you to feel anxious or distressed. Seek information only from trusted sources and mainly to educate yourself so you can protect yourself and the people around you. Limit yourself to checking updates once or twice a day.
- Protect yourself and the people around you. Check in on your colleagues and ask about their loved ones. Remember that we are in this together.
- Honor caretakers and healthcare workers supporting people affected with COVID-19 in your community. Acknowledge the role they play to save lives and keep your loved ones safe, so you have one less thing to worry about.
- Take care of yourself. The best thing you can do these days is to keep yourself healthy and safe. Exercise regularly, keep regular sleep routines and eat healthy food.
- Observe proper physical distancing when doing your fitness activities. Or learn daily physical exercises you can perform on your own or in isolation.
- Keep regular routines and schedules as much as possible. You may also create new routines that include fun activities.
- Stay connected and maintain your social networks.Take advantage of technology to stay connected with people that matter most to you.
- Pay attention to your own needs and feelings. Engage in healthy activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. Keep things in perspective: Public health agencies and experts in all countries are working on the outbreak to ensure the availability of the best care to those affected. Odfjell is doing the best we can to support our employees while striving to keep the operations running.
- Turn to experts. Sailors' Society South Africa has offered virtual chaplaincy to quarantined seafarers, including sharing mental health advice for seafarers concerned about the impact of the virus on their health and livelihoods. Inform the Captain if you are interested in this so the shore organization can assist with the necessary arrangements.
