A study carried out by Mind Mental Health Charity revealed that 30% of work-related illness in the transport and logistics sector is 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. A few ways you can manage your mental health while on the road include:
- Getting enough sleep
- Staying active
- Making effective use of your breaks
- Having a healthy balanced diet
- Keeping your mind active with a hobby or pastime
Stay Connected Through Industry Events
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 has attended industry events and can speak firsthand about the benefits of them. These events provide companies like ours the opportunity to get out from behind our computer screens and speak to drivers face-to-face, while giving drivers the opportunity to meet and socialise with like-minded people from the industry.
How Events Can Help Drivers’ Mental Health
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 eliminate some of the factors that can lead to poor driver mental health, such as isolation and loneliness.
Laughter is Key
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. If it’s laughter you need, then we recommend attending industry events. Not only do they display hundreds of fantastic trucks, but most have carnival rides, bars, and stalls that create an amazing environment.
It is crucial that these events continue to run every year as they provide a fantastic opportunity for those who may feel isolated to socialise and share their experiences with other like-minded people.
Simple Steps to Look After Your Mental Health
Don’t forget these other simple steps you can take to look after yourself:
- Food: The fuel our body needs. There is a strong link between what you eat and how you feel.
- Sleep: We all need sleep, but drivers more so. Just because you’re sitting down doesn’t mean driving isn’t exhausting. HGV drivers need 7 to 9 hours of sleep per day to function at their best. It’s essential for drivers to make the most of their breaks and rest periods.
- Water: Water is essential. It’s suggested HGV drivers drink a minimum of 2 litres of water each day, helping you stay hydrated, awake, and alert.
Break the Stigma: Mental Health is Just as Important as Physical Health
Lastly, this is where we need your help to break the stigma. There are many reasons why people don’t talk about their mental health, but most of the time it’s because of the stigma associated with it. The mental well-being of drivers is just as important as physical health. You wouldn’t suffer in silence with a bad back if it was affecting your ability to work, so don’t do it with your mental health.
Talking is so important, but we understand that’s not an easy step to take. That’s why D4Drivers has partnered with Andy’s Man Club to provide vital support and resources for drivers, helping them take that first step towards opening up.
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 this A-Z list of support lines for more information.