By N.F. Tioco, Jr.

I have always been amazed and fascinated at how our Filipino seafarers cope with the feeling of being far from their loved ones while plying international water for almost a year.

Maybe it is the innate characteristic of the Filipino as a Family loving person that help him conquer homesickness so he can work harder for his family whom he considers his priority.

Their wallets, when you open them, are filled with pictures of their love ones, as if to keep them company while they are on board.

In my usual reading, I have come across an article published in one of the leading maritime papers in the Philippines, Harborscope, which points out other ways on how to cope with loneliness. The Article, was written by Ronaldo Montilla, Ph.D., details new but very easy ways for our seafarers to survive the hostile environment of the seas which lead to their loneliness.

According to the article, leaving loved ones behind to seek employment in other countries, can result to deep loneliness and sadness, especially during the first few days or weeks of the physical separation.

Among the steps recommended in the article include:

• Recognize that you are lonely and express your feelings. Admitting that you are lonely is healthy. One can only find creative ways to deal and cope with his loneliness by recognizing and accepting this feeling of emotional isolation. Denying it only leads to come problems because the seafarer may perform unhealthy behaviors (e.g. overeating, promiscuous sex, too much drinking or drugs) to fill up the emptiness. When possible, it is suggested that seafarer shares his feelings to a trusted friend on board. If you don’t have any then expand your social circle . Always be open to new friendship You’ll never know that person drinking next to you just might share the same interest as you.
• Stay connected. You can always get in touch with your loved ones through phone, e-mail, social networks, video calls or even through letters. the 21st century has provided people with greater accessibility through the information and communication technologies. It is encouraged that seafarers connect with their loved ones at least once a week, to share, listen, and update with one another’s activities and events.
• Bring mementos of  loved ones on board the ship. It is best to bring pictures, videos or their items that would remind seafarers of their loved ones while they are temporarily away. When lonely, they can bring these items out and look at them. Or they can also watch videos that document their happy experience with their family members, friends and relatives.
• LOL (Laugh Out Loud). They say that laughter is medicine without side effects.
• Do not take your life too seriously. You can either watch funny movies on the ship or engage in spontaneous and humorous conversations with colleagues. Moods and emotions shift to some thing positive when people laugh. Studies have revealed that having good sense of humor can assist people cope with life stress and anxieties and enhance immune system functioning. It really helps in the reduction of the psychological experience of pain and loneliness.

Being away from our family is really very hard. It’s difficult to fight it. Hopefully, with the above suggestions, our seafarers will be able to cope with the situation, find strength and continue to work hard not only for their families but for the company who placed its trust on them.