If you struggle with loneliness in trucking, you’re not alone. Loneliness is prevalent issue in mental health and trucking.
In a survey of several hundred truckers, 27.9% reported a severe struggle with loneliness. Additionally, 26.9% reported feeling depressed, 20.6% struggle sleeping, and 14.5% battle with anxiety.
These numbers are tragic. Loneliness is a very real source of agony for many drivers around the globe.
In honor of National Mental Health Awareness month, here are a few ways to combat loneliness and be happier behind the wheel.
Loneliness and Trucking
If you were asked what the greatest danger to your health is while trucking, you may be tempted to respond with poor weather, distracted drivers or technical malfunctions—but few may respond with loneliness.
Loneliness poses a dramatic danger to your health. Research shows that loneliness may wear your body to same tune as 15 cigarettes a day, increasing your odds of early mortality by 30%.
In addition to poor health, loneliness is often linked to depression, making happiness feel elusive.
Time spent in a cabin can be inherently isolating, but there are several measures you can take to combat loneliness on the road.
How to Fight Loneliness on the Road
If you’re struggling with feeling lonely on the road, initiating new relationships can feel daunting. Fortunately, there are other actions you can take to feel less lonely for better mental health and trucking.
Foster deeper connections with the relationships you do have. If you have a thought to call your significant other, friend, family or whoever—do it! Though it can be hard to initiate, you’ll feel tremendous fulfillment in connecting with the people you already love.
Studies have demonstrated a direct link between exercise and a reduced sense of loneliness. If you don’t find you have a lot of time to exercise, check out these exercises you can safely perform on the road.
Spend time in nature. When it can be difficult to feel connected to the world, research has shown that nature can ground and soothe our loneliness. This can be as simple as stepping outside the cab to appreciate the beauty surrounding you.
Consider adopting a pet. Though pet ownership can be a large responsibility, they can be a source of companionship and a way to cope with the stresses of isolation. Some studies have even shown an increase in physiological wellbeing by owning a pet.
Try volunteering. When it feels easy to be overcome by internal issues, turning outward through volunteering can be a powerful source of alleviation to loneliness. Study after study shows a strong correlation with overall happiness and volunteering—regardless of the cause.
Exercise gratitude. Perhaps the easiest fix on this list, seeking to foster feelings of gratitude can dispel feelings of loneliness. To start, try making a list of the top 100 things you are grateful for. Though the exercise may be slow going at first, you’ll be amazed at how quickly gratitude can shoo painful feelings.
Loneliness can be a debilitating challenge for many truckers. If left unchecked, loneliness can even endanger a trucker’s health. By connecting with loved ones, getting out, and exercising gratitude, you can potentially curb your loneliness and experience more fulfillment overall.
Stay safe, truckers. Make your mental health a priority this National Mental Health Awareness month.
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