Mental Health Awareness & Trucking 

May is mental health awareness month and as a company dedicated to improving LIFE, it is important to help address mental health among truck drivers. We aren’t going to say we have all the answers to these issues, but we will commit to raising awareness and starting conversations to help combat lifestyle issues you may experience on the road, to DriveLIFE & MIND.

Mental Health Among Truck Drivers

According to a 2018 study, “Professional truck drivers are exposed to stressful working (and living) conditions and can be vulnerable. They report physical and mental health problems and psychological distress more frequently than the general population and their problems can affect safety on the roads.” In general, financial worries, lack of social support and job stress are the main factors in affecting people’s mental health. Unfortunately, mental health among truck drivers is more common than most would think. Truck drivers are exposed to stressful factors on a daily basis. It is important to identify factors that are causing stress and work to combat these stress factors to maintain a healthy mind.

3 Ways to Improve Mental Health as a Truck Driver

Talk it Out.

Try one of these (or all) to combat loneliness on the road:

• Talk to a licensed and certified counselor. GoMedRx telehealth includes behavior & mental health support for FREE.
• Make a friend at the travel stop: Talk to the driver next to you. Ask him/her how they are doing. Offer an encouraging piece of advice or share a funny story!
• Bring a furry friend along: Do you leave a pet behind at home? Take your pet on the road with you next time. Pets have proven to reduce stress and decrease loneliness.
• Take a friend with you: Maybe you have a family member or friend who has never experienced life on the road. If they have the flexibility, let them haul a load with you and tell them about your life on the road.

Just Breathe.

Get Some Rest. 

• Avoid caffeine 6 hours prior to bedtime.
• Avoid nicotine and alcohol. Alcohol, although it makes some people sleepy, wears off within a few hours and interrupts the normal sleep cycles. Nicotine is a stimulant and increases your heart rate which causes difficulty relaxing and falling asleep.

When the days and roads are long, don’t forget how important you and your job are to everyone around you. Truck drivers are the lifeline to America. Stay positive. Stay safe and #DriveLIFE.