“I don’t feel like talking to anyone anymore”. “I choose to be alone”. “No one understands me, I just want to be by myself”.
We have all been through such feelings in our lives, and as a seafarer, this is even more common. If you find this familiar, take a moment to reflect on the moments that cause these feelings to surface. Do you experience it more often during the initial days of your time on board when you are new and feel like you don’t belong or are you experiencing isolation?
A person can experience isolation due to various reasons such as life changes, mental health issues, financial concern and more. When we discuss isolation in the context of sailing, the reason can be staying away from home for a long time, limited social interactions on board, heavy workloads, poor internet connectivity, fatigue, cultural differences among colleagues on board, limited recreation activities, lack of team bonding, etc.
Dealing with isolation may not be easy but it isn’t impossible to overcome. Let us explore some ways we can help ourselves to resist the urge to withdraw ourselves from social situations and companions:
1. Set aside gadgets to form strongersocial connections
The gadget in our cabins can sometimes pull us back from spending quality time with the crew on board when we overuse them. While you are at sea, people on board are the greatest assets to learn about, to create friendships with and to experience bonding. Connecting and finding good in each other can strengthen bonds.
2. Stay connected with loved ones
While we should not overuse our mobile devices, it is important to moderate our usage and stay connected with our loved ones. The internet connectivity on board is a boon that helps you connect with your loved ones at a distance. Spend quality time with them, sharing your day and knowing about theirs, this will encourage emotional support in you.
3. Engage in recreation and activities
Utilise the recreational activities on board. Play some board games so it keeps your mind engaged and use the onboard gym to focus on your fitness. Set goals for yourself so that it will keep you on track and aware of your progress.
4. Learn more about other cultures
Irrespective if it’s a multi-national crew on board or all belonging to the same nationality. Respecting and knowing each other’s culture will help you connect with each other more efficiently.
5. Open communications
There’s a lot of help around you at personal and professional level. Openly communicating whatever you are going through will help others know you better and help you cope with isolation.
6. Talk-it-out
You are never alone; the in-house psychologist would love to hear you out and allow you a safe space to talk and feel uplifted. You do not need to deal with isolation alone.
The company strives to help you with the best facilities, but it’s your decision to make the best of what is presented.
Schedule a chat with our in-house counsellors, Ms. Harshali Kotekar (hr2@executiveship.com) and Ms. Glenda D’Silva (welfare2@samundra.com), if you are facing issues with isolation.
