It’s no secret that mental health needs to be a priority for everyone in trucking.
The U.S. economy relies on truckers. Semi-trucks moved about 72.6% of freight in the country in 2022, according to the most recent data from the American Trucking Association. More than 3.5 million truck drivers were employed as of 2023.
Without those truckers, nearly half of whom are owner-operators, the country’s economy would slow to a crawl. It’s also a safety matter. Prioritizing mental health helps keep drivers and those they share the road with safe.
Since May is Mental Health Awareness month, Ten Four Truck Insurance is shining a light on the subject’s importance in the commercial trucking industry.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Truck drivers face unique working conditions that don’t always make focusing on mental health easy. Some of those challenging conditions, such as time alone and long stretches of time away from home, have a direct impact.
One survey that’s often cited showed truckers faced several mental health issues, including:
- Loneliness (27.9% of drivers who answered the survey)
- Depression (26.9%)
- Chronic sleep disturbances (20.6%)
- Anxiety (14.5%)
- Other emotional problems (13%)
The authors of the study that included this survey pointed out that truckers are “a highly under-served population” as far as care for these issues is concerned.
Why Mental Health Matters in Trucking
The concerns listed above are not to be taken lightly. Left unaddressed, they can be detrimental to a truckers’ overall health and business.
These issues often worsen over time when ignored or treated incorrectly. They can also lead to other symptoms, including:
- Headaches, muscle pains, stomach distress
- Excessive tiredness
- Lack of concentration/focus
- Self-destructive behaviors
- Irritability
- Insomnia
The impact can go further, though. These symptoms can impact decision-making. Job stability, homelessness, incarceration and worse are all possible effects of untreated conditions.
If you or somebody you know is struggling with a mental health emergency or crisis, call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support at any time.
Mental Health Behind the Wheel
Good mental health generally suggests a higher quality of life. However, as far as truck drivers are concerned, this is also a safety issue for both the driver and others.
A report from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association suggests there is no conclusive evidence that most mental health conditions carry a higher risk of accidents on the road. Common conditions such as depression and anxiety, though, can impair focus, decision-making and reaction time.
If a condition is severe enough to affect a person’s ability to drive safely, then that person may not pass a DOT physical exam. This is up to the examiner’s discretion.
Drivers can manage their concerns and conditions with some of these tips and with professional help to meet DOT standards.
How Truckers Can Be Proactive
Though prioritizing mental health is not easy, especially for busy truckers who spend hours on the road, it is necessary.
Get Enough Sleep
Truckers need to get adequate rest. That’s not just advice – it’s the law. For good reason.
An overly tired driver can experience slower reaction time, impaired decision-making and difficulty paying attention the road. It’s a safety issue.
The organization Trucker Down cites a study that shows being awake for 18 hours can have the same impact on driving as having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%.
Make sure to follow all DOT regulations and get enough rest. Also, make sure sleeping arrangements are comfortable and quiet enough for high-quality sleep.
Healthy Diet & Exercise
The saying “healthy body, health mind” exists for a reason. An unhealthy body, or choices that lead to an unhealthy body, can have an impact on the mind’s health. In the same way, an unhealthy mind can lead to neglecting the body.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Following a healthy diet plan is an important first step. Though there isn’t always much time to make health eating decisions or stick to better habits, eating healthy foods is a great way to promote a healthier body and mind.
Eating healthier foods can promote heart health, a healthier blood sugar level and better protection against inflammatory disease.
Here are some tips from Health Trucking of America healthier diet
- Eat about 2,000 calories per day, while keeping an eye on how many of those calories come from fat and protein.
- Get enough vitamins. Supplements can help, but so can beans, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated/partially hydrogenated oils.
- Be mindful of how much sugar, salt, saturated fat and processes foods are consumed.
Follow an Exercise Plan
Regular exercise always pairs well with a healthier diet. The best part? An exercise routine can be customized to fit any schedule and fitness level. It doesn’t have to be a strenuous sweat session to be beneficial.
Exercise can help in many ways that impact mental health, including reducing stress, helping with anxiety and depression, and helping ensure better sleep.
Our partners at the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund (SCF) understand exactly how physical activity is helpful.
“Anyone looking for a fun way to get some physical activity, while also supporting driver health, should register for the SCF’s 2nd annual virtual 5k,” said Donna Kennedy, Ph.D., M.S., Executive Director of St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund. “Participate by walking, running, skipping, or hopping, anytime, anywhere the week of June 22-28th. You can even break up those 3 miles into manageable chunks! The important thing is to get moving and let your body experience the feel-good hormones that come along with being physically active. Challenge friends to join you, and maybe even engage in some friendly competition.”
For any questions about the 5k or for any driver looking for ways to get healthier, the SCF has the right person to help. Email Lindsey, SCF’s Health and Wellness Manager.
Other ideas for exercising including walking, running, lifting weights or yoga. Some activities can be done anywhere, too. On the other hand, consider purchasing a membership to gyms or fitness centers with multiple locations and flexible schedules.
Establish a Support System
Truckers spend a lot of their life alone and on the road. Establishing and maintaining communication with a support system, whether that be family, friends or fellow truckers can do wonders for mental health.
Try to schedule regular check-ins, whether over the phone or even a video call, with those who are important to you. There are also online trucker groups you can join.
Consider Professional Help
At the end of the day, some mental health matters are best handled by a licensed professional. Luckily, access to providers and services has improved drastically in recent years.
With the launch of telehealth services that specialize in this area, such as Betterhelp and Talkspace, drivers can find therapists who are experienced in specific issues. Online directories, such as Psychology Today, can help point drivers in the direction of licensed professional in the communities they frequently visit.
SCF also has resources available to connect truckers to providers.
“The St. Christopher Truckers Fund is committed to helping drivers live their best and longest lives by offering a variety of free Driven to be Healthy programs,” Kennedy said. “We also know that taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health and that’s why we’ve partnered with some amazing telemedicine providers that can help drivers right from their cabs.”
Don’t Neglect Mental Health
Truck drivers and fleet owners need to take mental health seriously. Drivers who take care of themselves and fleet owners who make this easier keeps their businesses moving – and the economy, too.
Looking for more helpful resources or posts on topics specific to owner operators and fleet owners? At Ten Four Truck Insurance, we know trucking. Check out our blog for more tips and insights.