Truck drivers are the backbone of America. They are the unsung heroes. Nearly every good consumed in the United States has been transported in a truck. Because of how challenging truck driving is, truck drivers often portray the image of being “tough”. Mental health is not a discussion that many truckers will have among each other.
The truth is, truck drivers are human. They have their emotional and mental struggles just like every other working American. The only difference is that truck drivers face unique factors that put them more at risk for depression and other serious mental health issues. According to the Transport Workers’ Union, one in five truck drivers has experienced mental health issues. Depression and anxiety are the top mental health issues that truck drivers face. Keep reading below for mental health resources for truck drivers.
Mental Health Resources for Truck Drivers
With truck drivers spending more time on the road than at home, it can be difficult to get help for their mental health struggles. Now, thanks to modern-day technology, truck drivers can get help right from their smartphones.
Espyr is a national behavioral health company with a mission to help people and organizations reach their full potential. Espyr offers a continuum of behavioral health care from acute and chronic health conditions to leadership development, including Fit To Pass, a coaching program to assist professional drivers in maintaining good health and pass their DOT recertification physical exams.
BetterHelp is the world’s largest e-counseling platform. They have access to licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited psychologists (Ph.D. / PsyD), marriage and family therapists (LMFT), clinical social workers (LCSW / LMSW), and board licensed professional counselors (LPC). To get starters, take a quick questionnaire and BetterHelp will match you with a therapist that’s right for you.
Mutts 4 Trucks is an organization that helps truck drivers find the perfect four-legged friend for the road. Their mission is to bring more good to a community that brings so much good to us. It has been proven that owning a dog can drastically decrease isolation, depression, and cardiovascular disease.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 1-800-273-8255
If you feel that you need help for your mental health struggles while on the road, we also recommend reaching out to your carrier and seeing what options they have available for you.
