Mental Health Awareness Week is here. We’re shining a spotlight on the importance of taking care of mental wellbeing, especially in the transport and logistics sector. MyTrucking has put together some practical, everyday habits based on the Five Ways to Wellbeing. Even a simple step can help make every week safer and stronger for you and your team on the road.
Navigating Mental Health on the Road
Mental Health Awareness Week is a perfect prompt for everyone in transport to make mental wellbeing a top priority. Truck drivers, dispatchers, and support crew all contend with long hours, pressure, and stretches spent away from home. Just as regular maintenance keeps vehicles running well, checking in on mental wellbeing helps people stay safe and resilient in their day-to-day work.
Recognising the Tough Spots
Mental health challenges are more common than people think, especially when work means spending extended time alone or under pressure. In this industry, feeling burnt out or disconnected is not rare. Sometimes, the culture can encourage people to keep pushing through, but reaching out for support is a wise and positive move that can make a real difference for individuals and teams alike.
Five Ways to Wellbeing, Top Up Together
The theme this year is “Top Up Together.” Incorporating these proven habits into daily routines is a simple way to improve wellbeing and build connection.
- Connect: Have a chat at a truck stop, call home during a break, or check in with a colleague. These moments strengthen social bonds and provide needed support.
- Be Active: Try a walk between jobs, a quick stretch at the depot, or even light exercise where possible. Physical activity helps boost mood and manage tension, even on busy days.
- Take Notice: Use your breaks to appreciate your surroundings, savour a hot cuppa, or simply pause to check in with yourself. Mindfulness creates calm and can help reset your mindset.
- Keep Learning: Listen to a podcast, catch up on news, or exchange tips with a mate. New knowledge keeps your mind active and helps build confidence.
- Give: Kindness, whether it’s sharing a snack, lending a hand, or encouraging a peer, creates a supportive environment and brings the team together.
Everyday Strategies for a Healthy Mind
- Establish regular routines for meals, movement, and downtime.
- Connect regularly with friends and colleagues. Early conversations can make challenges seem less overwhelming.
- Prioritise good sleep, as it is the foundation for managing stress and staying safe.
- Opt for healthy snacks and plenty of water, which help maintain steady energy and support a balanced mood.
New Zealand transport businesses increasingly see mental health as essential to daily operations. Many are running workplace programmes and awareness campaigns, normalising conversations about wellbeing so that all staff feel supported.
Where to Find Support
If challenges start to feel heavy, know that support is always available. The Mental Health Foundation, industry associations, and local GPs offer confidential guidance. Looking out for mental wellbeing is a journey everyone in transport shares, especially during this week.
During Mental Health Awareness Week, make it a priority to connect, move, notice, learn, or give. These everyday changes strengthen the team, improve safety, and help everyone drive ahead with confidence and care.
