It’s not always easy to talk about mental health as an HGV driver. When you’re driving a heavy vehicle in busy traffic, you’ve got to be mentally and physically healthy to deal with whatever the roads throw at you. So what can you do if you think you’re facing anxiety, depression or another mental health concern?
First things first, you’re not alone if you find yourself facing mental health worries. Just take a look at transport drivers’ mental health in numbers:
- 1 in 4 people suffer from mental health issues in any given year.
- Over 40% of ill health in the transport industry starts with stress, anxiety or depression at work.
- 95% of HGV drivers are men, a group where there’s a lot of stigma around mental health or talking about your problems
- According to Office for National Statistics figures, the suicide rate of HGV drivers is 20% above the national average, and 25% higher for van drivers.
- Forklift truck driver are the worst affected by mental health with a suicide rate that’s 85% above than the national average.
There are a few ways to boost mental health for lorry drivers, and different ways to reach out for support.
9 Ways for HGV Drivers to Improve Mental Health
As a driver, it can be hard to manage your mental health between long hours and busy schedules with constant deadlines to meet and factors out of your control. But it’s important to prioritise your health – just as you would manage your physical health.
It’s not ‘all or nothing’, so don’t be put off if you can’t take on every change at once. But try to take on board these tips for drivers’ mental health, and make it happen when you can:
- Make a good night’s sleep a priority – it’s not always easy, but plan ahead where you can, and make the most of the opportunity.
- Get as much rest as you can, so you can recharge.
- Stay fit. Exercise when you get the change, even if it’s just a quick walk around the block or across a local park.
- Eat right. Your options can be limited on the road, but eating well when possible could keep your mental health in check. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing either, just a couple of healthy swaps can help.
- Spend time with other drivers. Working alone is part of the appeal for many HGV drivers, but the downside is you can get lost in your own thoughts. Check in with other drivers when you get the chance.
- Enjoy a laugh. It could be sharing stories with friends or coworkers, or reading whatever makes you laugh you’ve got some downtime. Either way, it can instantly improve your mood.
- Spend quality time with your family. It’s not always easy to coordinate around work, but family time can help boost your mental health. So when you get the opportunity, take it.
- Keep up your interests. If you’ve got a hobby or interest, indulge it – it’s not wasted time. In fact, it can help boost your mental health.
- Take the chance to get out into nature. Getting out into a green space can help you relax, clear your mind and get some physical activity at the same time.
Mental Health Help for Lorry Drivers
It’s good to talk to your colleagues and employer, but sometime the company culture makes it hard to speak openly. That’s why mental health organisations have made it easier to open a conversation – you can even get support by text.
In August 2023, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recognised the stress that HGV drivers are under, and the toll it can take on their mental health. Along with the Road Haulage Association (RHA), they’ve launched the Working Minds Campaign to give drivers support by text.
Just text “BeAMate” to 85258 and trained volunteers will respond by text 24/7 to support you if you’re struggling with problems like stress and anxiety, loneliness and depression.
And Moto services know you’re often stepping through their doors – so they’ve launched a mental health hub for HGV drivers. The service stations have teamed up with Mind and SAMH to launch #Cabversation.
Can You Pass Your HGV Medical with Mental Health Concern?
The HGV driver medical covers mental health as well as physical health, and it’s important to be honest. If you’ve got mental health concerns, you’ve got to be honest with the doctor during your driver medical. The best thing is to seek help and get treatment if you need it. You can find out more about what happens at the HGV medical here. Lorry drivers near Birmingham can book a lorry driver medical with My Driver Medical online. Or call us now to speak directly to a doctor before making your appointment.