Truck drivers have a reputation for being tough. And while you work hard and are dedicated to your jobs, “tough” doesn’t mean you’re impervious to the stresses of life on the road. In fact, just being a truck driver puts you at a higher risk for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Not focusing on your mental health can also affect your ability to focus on the job and contribute to unsafe decision-making or destructive behaviors. Since May is Mental Health Month, we wanted to put together some tips to help yourself and others. Now, more than ever, it’s important to focus on our mental health and stay connected with one another!

‍

1. Keep Your Mind     Sharp

Doing brain exercises plays an important role in caring for the mind. They can help boost your memory, focus your concentration, and allow you to pay better attention to your daily tasks.

‍

‍

• Do a jigsaw     puzzle - it strengthens your ability to see how pieces fit within the big     picture.
• Learn a new     dance move to improve your memory and how quickly your brain can process     things.
• Take up a new     hobby or learn a new language.
• Figure out a     new way to do a daily task.
• Do word or     number puzzles like Sudoku or crossword puzzles.

2. Stay Connected     With Loved Ones

Thankfully, technology helps us stay connected to our loved ones no matter how far away we are.

• Video chats,     phone calls, and text messages are literally at your fingertips whenever     you have a break from driving.
• Bring photos or     sentimental items that remind you of home.
• Send postcards     to your friends and family.
• Utilize our     Carter Express passenger policy to bring a friend or family member with     you on one of your trips.

3. Get Enough Quality     Sleep

Altered sleep patterns, whether not enough or too much, can affect many mental health issues. Sleep apnea, for one, can be linked to chronic fatigue and depression and is common among truck drivers.

• Set a nightly     routine to get your body ready for sleep.
• Avoid caffeine     and heavy meals in the evening.
• Limit the use     of electronics before bed.
• Try a weighted     blanket to help you stay asleep.
• Keep a sleep     diary to help you evaluate your sleeping habits.
• Talk with your     doctor about a sleep study.

4. Find Ways to     Relax

Truck driving jobs can be high stress, so it’s important for drivers to find ways to relax.

• Get moving.     Stretching and exercising will not only help you physically but can help     you clear your mind and ease tense emotions.
• Listen to music     or a podcast.
• Get a good     night’s sleep (see #3).
• Meditate.
• Practice deep     breathing techniques.

5. Know the     Warning Signs

One of the most important things about improving your mental health is to know when you are struggling. Recognizing the warning signs of anxiety or depression will help you utilize your relaxation tools or seek help faster. Common symptoms of depression and anxiety include:

• feeling nervous     or tense
• difficulty     concentrating
• a sense of     apprehension or dread
• extreme     sweating
• upset stomach
• muscle tension
• headaches or     body aches
• insomnia
• feelings of     hopelessness
• lost interest     in activities you used to enjoy
• mood swings

6. Seek Help

It’s never too early to ask for help if something feels “off”. Even if what you are experiencing or feeling falls in a normal range of emotions, it’s always beneficial to have someone to talk to.

• Carter Express     drivers have access to free Teladoc services, which allows you to schedule     your physical and mental health appointments wherever you are.
• Take advantage     of our Carter Express Driver Relations team to discuss what tools and     procedures could help reduce driver stress on the road.
• If you are in     crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Being a truck driver is one of the hardest jobs out there, but it does not have to take a huge toll on you mentally and physically. Use some of these tips to help you improve your mental health and enjoy your time out on the road.