More than one in five people in the United States struggles with a mental health problem. So with more than 7 million workers in trucking writ large, you’ve got a potential 1.4 million of our peers dealing with the stress and uncertainties of living with a mental illness. You can be certain, too, that every day each of us encounters countless vehicles piloted by someone battling a mental illness.
And a few other statistics: Suicide is the second leading cause of death for those between the ages of 10 and 34. It’s estimated anxiety and depression places an annual $1 trillion strain on the world's economy through lost productivity, with depression being a primary cause of disability.
While a mental health stigma persists in our society, we are getting better about understanding the issue. In fact, May is the month dedicated to that awareness. As a mental health practitioner, here’s my contribution to raising that awareness.
As I’ve written about time and time again, our mental health has a direct impact upon our physical health. Conditions can increase our chances of developing metabolic syndrome, heart disease, diabetes, migraine headaches, allergies, fatigue and muscle and joint pain.
[Related: What can we do about the physical and emotional violence of chronic stress made manifest?]
If you or someone you know is suffering with a mental health issue or simply need someone to listen, there are some very good resources to help with a simple search on your phone for:
There are also things you can do for yourself to help get through the day, as well as establish some good mental health PM routines:
