Looking After Minds, One Meal and One Conversation at a Time

Published on 09 Oct 2026

When we think about staying healthy onboard, we often think about safety procedures, physical fitness and proper nutrition. But there is another essential part of our health that deserves just as much attention: our mental health.

Life at sea is a unique experience. It can be rewarding, exciting, and full of opportunities, but it can also bring challenges. Long periods away from loved ones, demanding schedules, changing time zones, and the pressures of living and working in a confined environment can all affect how seafarers feel, think, and cope.

Just as a vessel relies on regular maintenance to perform at its best, our minds also need care, attention and support to remain healthy and resilient.

The good news? Supporting mental wellbeing doesn't always require major changes.

Often, it's the simple everyday moments that make the biggest difference. A conversation with a colleague. A laugh shared over dinner. A call home. A favourite meal. A few quiet moments to unwind after a busy day.

Why Mental Health Matters

Every year on October 10, the world marks World Mental Health Day, an opportunity to raise awareness, encourage open conversations, and promote better mental health for all.

The message is simple: ’Looking after our minds is just as important as looking after our physical health’’.

Mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of age, nationality, rank, or profession. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 1 in 7 people worldwide, approximately 1.1 billion people - were living with a mental disorder in 2021, with anxiety and depressive disorders among the most common.

Seafarers are no exception.

Fatigue, loneliness, homesickness, family concerns, stress, disrupted sleep and interpersonal tensions can all affect mental health, making it especially important to recognize when we may need support.

Speaking Up as a Sign of Strength

The maritime industry has made important progress in bringing mental health into the conversation. More organizations, employers and industry leaders are encouraging open discussions and investing in mental health initiatives that support crew wellbeing.

Still, stigma can still prevent people from speaking up.

A seafarer may worry about being judged, treated differently, or even affecting future opportunities. But asking for support should never be seen as a weakness.

Recognizing when you need support demonstrates self-awareness, professionalism, and resilience.

Sometimes, the most important question is simply:

“Are you okay?”

And sometimes, the most important answer is:

“Actually, I could use some support.”

Food & Mood – What’s the connection?

Most of us have experienced it.

Skip a meal and you may feel tired, irritable, or unable to concentrate. Enjoy a satisfying, balanced meal and you may feel more energised and ready to tackle the day.

Coincidence? Not quite.

Food cannot prevent or treat stress, anxiety, or depression on its own. However, a varied and balanced diet can support brain function, steady energy levels and concentration.

Think of your body as a vessel and your brain as its control centre. To keep both performing at their best, they need the right fuel.

For seafarers, mealtimes can also offer much more than nutrition. They provide routine, comfort, connection, and a chance to pause during a demanding day. A well-prepared meal, shared in a clean and welcoming environment, can help create a sense of normality and belonging onboard.

There is no single "magic" food for mental health. Instead, variety and balance are key. Foods such as oily fish, nuts and seeds, bananas, citrus fruits, colourful vegetables and even a little dark chocolate can all contribute to a nutritious and balanced diet that supports overall health and wellbeing.
Beyond the Plate: Creating a Home Away from Home with BSM Catering Services

When we talk about wellbeing at sea, it is about much more than what is served on a plate. It is about the everyday moments that help crew members feel comfortable, valued, and connected while away from home. Through catering management, housekeeping, hospitality services, supply chain management, training, auditing, and consulting, BSM Catering Services helps create an onboard environment where seafarers can live and work at their best.

A familiar meal after a long day, a clean cabin, a welcoming mess room, or time spent sharing a meal with colleagues can make all the difference.

At BSM Catering Services, we support crews to create ‘a home away from home’. By catering to the tastes and dietary needs of over 40 nationalities across more than 600 vessels, we ensure crews feel respected, included, and cared for. Because maritime hospitality is about more than food. It's about people. And when people feel supported onboard, every positive experience can contribute to better wellbeing at sea.

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