How to maintain your mental health while trucking

The growing issue of dangerous driving requires you to take into consideration the impact of drivers with mental health issues. Mental health challenges are particularly prominent within the trucking industry, where drivers spend the majority of their time on the road alone. In this new post, we’ll explain the challenges of drivers with mental health issues on the road, and how to maintain mental stability on long-haul trips.

Factors That Impact Mental Health

In considering the challenges long-haul truck drivers face, it’s vital that we first learn about the factors that might impact your mental health when on the road. The following can cause a deterioration in your mental health as a truck driver:

• Loneliness
• Frustration with other drivers
• Spending time away from family
• Long working hours
• Lack of access to mental health resources

What We Can Do as a Society to Improve Mental Health

The issues that impact truckers are not unique to the trucking industry, even though truckers are generally more likely to experience these mental health challenges than those with other jobs. Each of us must take an active role in building a healthy society and in recognizing the health issues others face through awareness and communication. Here are a few steps that can be taken across society in general to reduce the impact of mental health problems:

• Say “hello” to those who are alone at diners and restaurants
• Speak calmly when discussing a potential problem
• Speak up when you’re experiencing mental health challenges
• Research resources in your community for dealing with mental health issues

How Truck Drivers Can Safeguard Their Own Mental Health

Others can take a more proactive role and help truck drivers deal with the many mental health issues they might face. But if you’re a truck driver, there are also steps you can take to improve your mental health for the years ahead. Consider taking the following steps:

Travel with Loved Ones to Minimize Your Loneliness

You may find that your company is more than willing to allow your wife, husband, or even your family pet to stay with you on the road if it helps support your mental health for the long-term. Make sure you speak with the company in the weeks before your next trip to make the arrangements. That can help you to plan for the process and to ensure your loved ones have accommodations.

Contact Home Daily

If you’re unable to bring loved ones on the road with you, you should take the time to call home daily and make sure you are communicating with your family. It helps you to keep the connection strong even during weeks away from home.

Make a Plan for Your Finances on the Road

One of the leading stressors for truck drivers is financial issues. It can be expensive to live life on the road, as you often have to stay in hotels and eat at local restaurants. To minimize costs, try to plan for your life on the road. Look for restaurants with affordable meal options and try to organize sleeping arrangements in advance to capitalize on sale pricing.

We hope you’ve learned a little more about how to maintain your mental health while working for your trucking company. Call our team directly if you or someone you work with may be feeling mentally unstable while on the road.