The mental illness going untreated

A TRAGIC stigma around mental health is preventing people from reaching out for support, particularly for longhaul truck drivers who witness harrowing accidents and fatalities on the road.

Truck drivers in dire need of mental health support are urged not to rest on their laurels when it comes to seeking outreach.

Slater and Gordon principal Lawyer Katrina Pedersen said long-haul truck drivers were some of the most susceptible to mental health disorders like anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder after witnessing, and rendering assistance, at serious crashes.

“Early intervention for mental health is vital, it can save and change lives,” she said.

Ms Pedersen said she had seen the impacts of mental illness, and the toll being away from work could have on a person’s mental health.

The importance of seeking support cannot be understated.

“Everyone has a right to come home from work safe, and mental health is as important as physical health,” Ms Pedersen said.

“Employers need to work at reducing the stigma around mental health to encourage conversations around it, and early intervention.”