And it’s time we shed light on this side of the industry that shouldn’t be swept under the rug. Yachting can be downright tough, taking a toll on the body in ways that are visible to all. But there’s another aspect that often goes unnoticed—the state of our mental health. While yachting offers incredible opportunities, the reality can be that the hours are long, the days can be filled with stress and overwhelm, and you can’t hear yourself think with the radio, phone and mobile comms all going off at once. There may be times you’re getting shouted at, you’re getting ignored, you’re getting bullied or harassed or you just can’t keep up with the workload.

There’s nowhere to escape, no place to just be yourself except maybe in the shower, and even then, your phone may still be buzzing away. All of this can leave you feeling anxious, inadequate, unmotivated, worthless, angry, sad, a burden to others and your body struggles feeling exhausted, bloated, giving you headaches and skin issues.

You don’t know how to cope, feeling overwhelmed, you might resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms, turning to alcohol or drugs in an attempt to escape the day to day reality or to find a temporary confidence boost. Others may find themselves breaking down in the shower where nobody else will see, or retreating to their cabin to seek solace away from others. Stress may lead to overeating or loss of appetite due to anxiety. Emotionally, you may find yourself on edge, snapping at others or struggling to contain your feelings.

It’s a cycle sadly familiar to many in the industry, either through personal experience or witnessing it in others.

There’s a remarkable community of individuals dedicated to making a positive impact. They’re coming together to create something truly special — a support system ready to listen, uplift, educate, and offer guidance in navigating mental health challenges. And with others bringing us the power of breathwork and meditation to the importance of nutrition, wellness retreats, and fitness, they’re equipping crew members with simple yet effective techniques to nurture their mental well-being. It’s inspiring to see how this collective effort is fostering a culture of care and resilience within the industry.

Opening up and talking can feel daunting, but in my experience, it’s the build-up and overthinking that often magnify the fear. However, once you take that leap and reach out to someone—a friend, family member, colleague, therapist, counsellor, or even a stranger—you’ll likely feel a weight lifted from your shoulders. Suddenly, things may start to look different, as if a new perspective has emerged. Now, I won’t sugar-coat it — it’s not always easy, and change won’t happen overnight. It takes time for things to shift and evolve. But by taking that first step, you’ve already achieved something monumental. Remember, it’s the journey of growth and transformation that matters most, one step at a time.

Each of us has had our own unique journey, with different experiences shaping our paths, and you will generally find that someone has experienced something similar to what you are going through and may be able to help you or direct you to someone that can. Asking for help, allowing yourself to feel vulnerable, shedding tears, and opening up are all natural parts of being human — nothing to be ashamed of. It’s far healthier to bring these struggles into the light rather than letting them fester in the shadows, potentially altering your true self.

I noticed that there is generally something going on with a lot of the other crew members we work alongside. Yet, often, we remain unaware until it surfaces unexpectedly — this could be over drinks on a night out, in stressful situations,or through the words of others. The spectrum of challenges is vast, ranging from relationship or friendship strains, both onshore and onboard, to a familial discord or health battles. Some carry the weight of past childhood traumas, while others struggle with eating disorders, low self-esteem, or a sense of inadequacy, and not feeling good enough. And then there are those wrestling with secret battles like gambling, alcohol, or drug dependencies… the list goes on.

Onboard a yacht, you’re not just a crew; you’re a team, where no one person holds more value than another. Sure, the Captain may navigate the yacht with expertise, but can they meticulously press a linen shirt to perfection? Can the Chief Engineer whip up a culinary masterpiece fit for royalty? Each member brings unique skills and strengths to the table, collectively shaping the success of the guest trips. It’s about mutual support, awareness, and lifting each other up through the highs and lows. A great crew isn’t just about fulfilling duties; it’s about creating a culture of care and camaraderie. So, pay attention—because everyone has their off days, their struggles, and their triumphs. Be there to offer support, encouragement, and understanding, knowing that one day, you may be the one in need of a caring hand or a listening ear.

I highly recommend doing a mental health 1st aid course with Emma through Seas the Mind, and if you’re ever in need of advice or someone to talk to, know I’m always here as a friend and a qualified mental health first aider. The individuals and charities below are fabulous and I would highly recommend them for any advice and support you’re seeking for yourself or for others:

ISwan’s Yacht Crew Help –
Phone: +44 203 713 7273 (request a call back: www.yachtcrewhelp.org/callback)
Email: help@yachtcrewhelp.org

Live Chat: http://www.yachtcrewhelp.org

WhatsApp: +44 7514 500153

Emma Ross from Seas the Mind – hello@seasthemind.co.uk

Karine Rayson from The Crew Coach – http://www.thecrewcoach.com/contact

Blue Duck Foundation – http://www.blueducks.org/pages/contact

#YOU MATTER, and you’re not alone – It’s time we started talking about these challenges openly and supporting one another through them.