SAILORS MENTAL HEALTH | CAUSES & COPING STRATEGIES | LIFE AT SEA

Links of Studies:

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[robbiesmith]

As a therapist married for 51 years to a former MM you have done an excellent job on this video, thank you.

[EatsLikeADuck]

What I appreciate most about your videos is that you don't feel compelled to say goofy stuff or long, drawn-out introductions.

"So, yeah. Let's get into it."

Thank you.

[sll]

Hi Joe. I worked in the trades for many decades. For a few years, I did a lot of work at a Naval weapons Station and enlisted housing. At least back then, I learned that enlisted personnel spent six months out at sea every year. Many of the guys I ran into were career people with wife and kids. It made me think how difficult it would be to leave your family for that amount of time. If you ever run into a friend who is having difficulty and trying to get their mind back to some state of health. Let them know there are regular people out here that appreciate what they do. If it wasn’t for guys like you, this world could not function. Wishing you and your fellow merchant marines, the best of health, safety, and happiness.

[gordon]

When the video is better at doing the thing the sponsor does than the sponsor.

Clear, simple, wise, non-judgemental, honest, informed, based on lived experience and with practical advice. I hope you feel good about what you've done here.

[jondiaz]

Joe, the depth and breadth of what you cover on this channel amazes me. Appreciate your continued quest to give us all the “big picture” of the modern day sailor.

[wylde]

This is one of your better videos. Thank you. A lot of people live on their own metaphoric ship. When working from home, you don't socialize and only talk about work. It's essential to find an escape and balance. I'm learning this now, but I wish I had discovered this sooner.

[Gonewithjon]

Love when one of my favorite creators starts getting sponsors. Couldn't have happened to a better guy

[Arizona-Sonoran-Desert-Guy]

Never knew about the sailor leaving his boots at the deck handrail before going overboard. That was an eye-opener, sobering and grievous to think about.

[Sijuwade]

I love Sundays at Sea. It’s like a reset for the mind and body while at sea. The little things means a lot.

[everteacher]

Joe, thanks so much for talking about the elephant in the room in many jobs!! I'm a guy and was raised by two dysfunctional alcoholics. I'm 64 now and I have several guy friends that I have worked hard to build a relationship with. I can spill my shit in front of them and they don't condemn me or look down on me. Eventually we can talk about anything. Somehow being able to share your struggles with another human being (hence counseling can be good and I have seen a few) is really powerful. We are not made to carry all these burdens in life. And life is frickin hard sometimes!! I follow Jesus and that is where I get my direction from, but even for those who don't this is still true. Thanks for making this video!

[Captain-Max]

In 1969, I was stationed on Guam for 18 months. There was no such thing as calling home in those days. I was told it was $50 a minute to do so and just put it out of my head. Mail had a 2 week turn around time minimum.
In 1968, I sailed the Great Lakes on the turn of the century old steamship SS Lackawanna. It had the deck hand/deck watch crew sharing a single rusty steel bulkhead room with one porthole that shared a wall with the anchor chain locker. We had 3 sets of rusty pipe bunkbeds with thin mattresses and a small table with 2 chairs. It was like returning to your cell at the end of the day. Today's ships are pure luxury by comparison. No wonder guys go crazy.

[uncertainzee]

Protect yourself Joe, love your journey. Important message for everyone in every profession. Thank you! Rod

[theworldofjohn]

It's a tough job, being away from "life", friends and family, glad to see you talking about mental health, I believe we don't talk about it enough. Thanks Joe!

[paullandreville]

I'm glad you addressed this mental health issue. It is a big problem no one talks about. Keep up the good work Joe.

[steveq]

As a veteran I'm grateful you put a light on this issue. Great job Joe.

[saltyoldseadog]

I was at sea on British tankers in the 70's & 80's and our trips were on average four months long. We didn't have mobile phones or internet and news from home would arrive via letter sometimes weeks or even months after an event. I always found that structure helped. For example Saturdays were half days (unless on watch); we had set movie nights shown from a 16mm projector, we had steak nights and special meals once or twice per trip. But perhaps the biggest difference between now and then is that we had bars on the ships and most nights after work, we would have a few beers and just talk shit. It really did help.

[bobuncle]

One of the best videos on this topic I’ve seen. Actual referenced statistics without generalities, and practical applications.

[GitzenShiggles]

The sea was the only place where I felt calm and complete. I miss that so much.

[Dannsandiego]

Great advice, Joe, on or off the ship. Thanks for sharing this.

[pattrickhumphreys]

WOG day! Did mine on USS Enterprise CVN-65 as a WOG back in 1988. But yes Mental health out at sea back in my day was not something many delt with in a good way. Me included. Thank you for covering this topic.