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A study carried out by Mind Mental Health Charity revealed that 30% of work-related illness in the transport and logistics sector are related to stress, depression, or anxiety. Mental health is a common topic that can strike fear into the minds of many drivers up and down the country but looking after your mental health can sometimes be easier than you think.
So, what’s our advice?
We understand that being a driver can be stressful and demanding, so a few ways you can manage your mental health whilst on the road is getting enough sleep, staying active, making effective use of your breaks, having a healthy balanced diet, and keeping your mind active with a hobby or pastime.
Another way of maintaining positive mental health is staying connected with others, whether that be reaching out to your family and friends or meeting new people by attending industry events. For years, D4Drivers and Truckfest have been great friends, Truckfest is a fun-filled weekend that has a host of stalls, amusements, and performances. The event provides us with an opportunity to get out from behind our computer screens and speak to drivers face to face, whilst providing you, the drivers the opportunity to meet and socialise with like-minded people from the industry.
Events that bring drivers from the haulage and transport industry together provide a fantastic way to reconnect during your well-earned time off. These events help to eliminate some of the factors that can lead to poor driver mental health, such as isolation and loneliness.
Another amazing factor that can aid your mental health is laughter. It has been proven to strengthen your immune system, boost your mood, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. Now if its laughter you need then again, we recommend attending Truckfest. Not only does it display hundreds of fantastic trucks, but it also has a selection of carnival rides, bars, and stalls that create an overall amazing environment.
It is crucial that events like Truckfest continue to run every year, as it is a fantastic opportunity for those who may feel isolated, to socialise and share their experiences with other like-minded people. The atmosphere at Truckfest is lively and welcoming, with so much to see and do.
If you are struggling with your mental health and would like to seek professional advice, there are several charities and organisations that are always here to help. Visit https://sandyhealthcentre.nhs.uk/practice-information/a-z-list-of-organisations-for-mental-health/ for an A-Z list of support lines.