Investigating Mental Health in Yachting

You’ve likely been hearing a lot about mental health over the past few years. It’s no wonder — the crew job is tough on both physical and mental health. Very long hours, stress, and no privacy can take its toll.

Capt. Kelly J. Gordon is no stranger to talking about mental health. Over the past few years, she has hosted several mental health seminars as she tries to illuminate the issues faced by crew in the yachting industry. Her latest endeavor is creating a mental health survey to accurately gauge the mental health experiences of yacht crew and shore-side support staff, shed light on the challenges, and identify areas where mental health resources can be improved.

Her Yachties Minds Matter survey, sponsored by Suntex, investigates how prevalent alcohol and drug abuse is in yachting, in addition to sexual harassment and bullying.

“This survey is an important tool to help us understand these challenges better and to advocate for the necessary resources and support systems that can make a significant difference in the lives of yacht crew and shore-side support staff,” Gordon said.

“We need data. We need facts. We need to hear from the crew themselves.”

This is essential, she believes. “It will be a huge step forward in creating that ‘facelift’ I speak of, which the industry so badly needs,” she says. “While it is an amazing industry and has been life-changing for me, it is no secret that seafarers suffer mentally. It’s time to make the necessary changes — which can’t be best implemented without a clear picture: Data!”

Capt. Gordon is motivated to get the truth of the issue in yachting and believes the survey will help her do so. So, how can you help? Take the seven-minute survey and share your experiences. “I am passionate about the mental health of people, seafarers, and, more specifically, yachties. This data will allow me to move forward to make the changes we so desperately need and to approach the governing bodies that can help set forth the change.”

The survey is anonymous and confidential to encourage honesty and to ensure an accurate representation of the industry’s mental health climate. The data will be analyzed to identify trends and areas of concern, which will inform future initiatives and advocacy efforts aimed at improving mental health support for yachting professionals.

Take the survey now.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6NPFMF5