Truck driving can be an isolating job, and a large number of drivers experience the effects of depression. Other issues contributing to the problem include long hours and uncomfortable working conditions. The fact that truck driving falls among the top eight professions likely to commit suicide underscores this issue. What often starts as burnout can lead to full-blown depression. Thankfully, there are several ways drivers can improve their mental health and wellbeing.

Practical Methods to Ensure Good Mental Health

Truck drivers can take the following steps to protect their mental health while on the road:

  1. Bring a companion. Many trucking companies allow drivers to bring someone along for long hauls to keep them company. Bringing a spouse, friend, or pet along can help keep drivers in a good mood and enthusiastic to perform their job.
  2. Implement good exercise and diet habits. Exercise helps keep drivers healthy physically, but it’s good for mental health as well. Making healthy food choices also affects how a driver feels as well as their overall energy levels.
  3. Establish a routine. Most people have several routines they follow throughout the day. It establishes a sense of calm and orderliness. Drivers should implement a positive morning, afternoon, and evening routine to help keep their day and tasks on track.
  4. Cultivate a strong network. It’s easy for truck drivers to fall out of touch with friends and family considering how much time they spend on the road. However, with modern technology, it’s simpler than ever to keep in contact. Drivers need to make it a point to socialize with their friends and family to feel supported.
  5. Personalize the cab. People in nearly every profession decorate their workspace and trucking should be no different. Pictures from home and small knickknacks can make a truck cab feel more familiar and less isolating.

Avoiding physical and mental burnout is an important part of maintaining good mental health for truck drivers. At DriverCheck, we strive to save lives with high-quality safety solutions. To learn more about how we can help your drivers and trucking business, contact us today.