Company representatives from Marlow Philippines and partner training centre United Marine Training Center (UMTC) attended a safeTALK suicide alertness seminar and workshop, held at the Manila International Seafarers Center in mid-July.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, more than 700,000 people die every year due to suicide worldwide. Mental health issues, excessive stress, financial problems, illness and family conflicts are all possible triggers of suicidal thoughts and feelings.
The safeTALK seminar and workshop was conducted by Programme Manager at The Mission to Seafarers, Thomas O’Hare, and designed by LivingWorks, one of the world’s leading suicide intervention training companies.
Suicide is preventable and everyone can learn to play a life-saving role. Using a simple yet effective model, safeTALK empowers everyone to make a difference, learning how to prevent suicide by recognising signs, engaging someone, and connecting them to an intervention resource for further support.
“The subject of suicide is difficult. Heavily stigmatised, the issue – along with poor mental health – is often avoided or dismissed. But to remove the stigma we must be brave enough to confront it head on. Thoughts of suicide are acceptable. Acts of suicide are preventable,” said Thomas.
“Through education, we aim to destigmatise mental health in the industry, making the subject less taboo, so seafarers (and people ashore for that matter) who might be struggling feel comfortable talking with their peers about their wellbeing, and any potential problems can be addressed before they escalate,” continued Thomas.
“When you learn about mental health, you gain a better understanding of yourself and those around you – it makes you kinder, more patient, and increases your levels of empathy.”
