What I appreciate most about your videos is that you don't feel compelled to say goofy stuff or long, drawn-out introductions. "So, yeah. Let's get into it." Thank you.
Hi Joe. I worked in the trades for many decades. For a few years, I did a lot of work at a Naval weapons Station and enlisted housing. At least back then, I learned that enlisted personnel spent six months out at sea every year. Many of the guys I ran into were career people with wife and kids. It made me think how difficult it would be to leave your family for that amount of time. If you ever run into a friend who is having difficulty and trying to get their mind back to some state of health. Let them know there are regular people out here that appreciate what they do. If it wasn’t for guys like you, this world could not function. Wishing you and your fellow merchant marines, the best of health, safety, and happiness.
A big YES to you my friend 😊❤😊 Just looking at the disruptive fighting in the Red sea. The amount of goods we all want from Costco very quickly. YES you are so ,so right 👍. Everyone stereotype sailor Professional Mariners as these cut throat pirates. The TV show below Decks don't help ( the heavy drinking and the bad mouthing of the charter guests) makes people that do the sea trades, look "BAD" I do like how big charter vessels have started doing video on the Real work of charter crews on high seas. This video series is another excellent 👍 channel on life at sea. I worked 6 years on a small Tug in the Army reserve. The Skipper was a WW-2 veteran, he was in the battle of the Coral sea. His story of being of big Navy ships that sank was sad, but it was like he had to talk about it.
When the video is better at doing the thing the sponsor does than the sponsor. Clear, simple, wise, non-judgemental, honest, informed, based on lived experience and with practical advice. I hope you feel good about what you've done here.
Joe, the depth and breadth of what you cover on this channel amazes me. Appreciate your continued quest to give us all the “big picture” of the modern day sailor.
This is one of your better videos. Thank you. A lot of people live on their own metaphoric ship. When working from home, you don't socialize and only talk about work. It's essential to find an escape and balance. I'm learning this now, but I wish I had discovered this sooner.
It's a tough job, being away from "life", friends and family, glad to see you talking about mental health, I believe we don't talk about it enough. Thanks Joe!
Joe, thanks so much for talking about the elephant in the room in many jobs!! I'm a guy and was raised by two dysfunctional alcoholics. I'm 64 now and I have several guy friends that I have worked hard to build a relationship with. I can spill my shit in front of them and they don't condemn me or look down on me. Eventually we can talk about anything. Somehow being able to share your struggles with another human being (hence counseling can be good and I have seen a few) is really powerful. We are not made to carry all these burdens in life. And life is frickin hard sometimes!! I follow Jesus and that is where I get my direction from, but even for those who don't this is still true. Thanks for making this video!
Never knew about the sailor leaving his boots at the deck handrail before going overboard. That was an eye-opener, sobering and grievous to think about.
I was at sea on British tankers in the 70's & 80's and our trips were on average four months long. We didn't have mobile phones or internet and news from home would arrive via letter sometimes weeks or even months after an event. I always found that structure helped. For example Saturdays were half days (unless on watch); we had set movie nights shown from a 16mm projector, we had steak nights and special meals once or twice per trip. But perhaps the biggest difference between now and then is that we had bars on the ships and most nights after work, we would have a few beers and just talk shit. It really did help.
Well said saltyold seadog. Same here. 70's on Cargo ships, bulk carriers etc. Once finished work we could chill out, have a beer, movie nights, quiz nights etc. write a letter or send a postcard. Also more time in ports in those days. Work overtime when at sea but once hit ports it was fun times. But when time came to get back into work mode we all did.
That was so important. I was never a MM but spent many years at sea in the Canadian Navy in the late 60's , 70's and 80's long before WiFi etc, so mail, good food and proper pay and good comunications played a huge roll in the ships well being. Thanks for this video. you are spot on.
Thanks for doing this brother. I am a high voltage lineman and we have also lost some brothers due to mental health and substance abuse. There is help out there!!! 9-1/2 years clean and I am always here to talk to my fellow brothers. We do not need to fight our internal battles alone.
Oh! I’m glad you had a pretend ‘toxic’ crew member! Sending you some happy thoughts and thanks for those long long days at sea that you and the others endure so we can have stuff from the other side of the world. Great job Joe! X
I love your content. I spent some time on seismic boats as an electronics tech with a very fixed rotation schedule, usually 4 weeks on/2 weeks off. We were in the GoM so we got choppered on and off the boat. There was only one time that my relief failed and that was the most miserable month that I ever spent. Of course the nature of the work was that we almost never came into port and every day was just like the last. The hardest part for me was feeling trapped on board with no way to escape. That and the constant noise from the boat's machinery (on a seismic boat besides the propulsion, there are generators and huge air compressors that run constantly on deck), there was no escape. My last hitch I cried when it was time to get on the helicopter to go out and I knew I had to quit. This was almost 40 years ago and I still feel it. All this is to say I feel ya dude. Take care of yourself.
WOG day! Did mine on USS Enterprise CVN-65 as a WOG back in 1988. But yes Mental health out at sea back in my day was not something many delt with in a good way. Me included. Thank you for covering this topic.
There's a lot of valid points you make. My dad did his time in the merchant navy He was at sea at at an interesting time & his line did runs out of the UK down west, south & south east Africa or through suez to India, Singapore and as far as Perth or Sydney in Australia. He did a total of about 8 yrs in. His biggest challenge was adjusting back to shore life. With containerisation the ports are way out of town where he would in his day sail right into capt town or Durban. Different times
In 1969, I was stationed on Guam for 18 months. There was no such thing as calling home in those days. I was told it was $50 a minute to do so and just put it out of my head. Mail had a 2 week turn around time minimum. In 1968, I sailed the Great Lakes on the turn of the century old steamship SS Lackawanna. It had the deck hand/deck watch crew sharing a single rusty steel bulkhead room with one porthole that shared a wall with the anchor chain locker. We had 3 sets of rusty pipe bunkbeds with thin mattresses and a small table with 2 chairs. It was like returning to your cell at the end of the day. Today's ships are pure luxury by comparison. No wonder guys go crazy.
Great video and topic, Joe! I’m proud of you for exposing this issue. I spent 32 years as a Firefighter, and now run a large first responder peer and mental health organization. The simple act of TALKING will save, and improve someone’s life. The power of a conversation cannot be understated.
I know that I could never do your work just based on sleep patterns. I have so much respect for the extra work you have to put in to make this career work. I also really appreciate anyone willing to discuss mental health. I have had some great therapy but also some that (perfectly cordially) didn't work. It's important to start therapy as a two way interview to find the right therapist, but mainly just start getting help.
Hi Joe, I have never commented on a video before, but felt compelled to for this one. This is a very important issue, and you should be commended for covering it so well.
Great video Joe most people dont talk about mental health thank you my buddy worked maintenance on the pipeline on the north slope in Alaska for 15 years and quit because he couldnt take the isolation it took him time to adjust to being home but is doin good now have a great day be safe.
Thank you, Joe, for as you said, 'shining a light' on a difficult subject. I'm a retired therapist, and have actually long thought about what it must be like for not only merchant marines, but those in the military (who might not want it known that they're struggling and could use some help) and those others who for whatever reason (I'm thinking NOAA and other research entities) might live through long periods of basically enforced isolation. I hope that this video wasn't inspired by the loss of a crew mate; but I'm deeply glad you did it. I hope that others see this and are less afraid to reach out. Thanks again for your openness and compassion in putting this out there.
This is an amazing video. Mental health is a difficult subject to address as it is, and especially in lines of work that tend towards, "rub dirt on it and you'll be fine". I hope that you have helped people by this video, and thank you for speaking up for those who may have been feeling lost in the void.
You did an excellent job dealing with a delicate subject. The communication was clear and easily understandable. Until I watched one of your videos I knew next to nothing about the merchant marine industry. I knew my father in law, who passed away before I started dating his daughter, had been a merchant mariner during WWII. Thanks to your videos I now realize that he must have been a steward. I deeply appreciate that you have produced the videos and that they’re superbly done.
Great video, my mother passed away last year while I was on the ship so I understand your story about your shipmate. I am lucky now as I only do 29 day hitches on a Container ship. I didn't enjoy longer hitches at all and having great crewmates sure does help. Keep up the good work and safe sailing!
FINALLY. This video needed to happen, Joe. My wife knows I've expressed interest in becoming a seafarer... I can sense that I'd be okay with it, and she wouldn't. This is a heavy video that both her and I need to watch.
The dynamic of couples when one person is at sea is a huge stressor. I will eventually have a video about how family members of sailor deal with their loved ones being away.
It is hard to cope with mental health issues while at sea, there is no escape from the environment you're in and few people to turn to. Thanks for the clear picture of being onboard a ship.
I haven't ever been a seafarer but have worked away from home. I spent two years in a job flying around to work sites, living out of a suitcase. For me at the time it was great. I have no family and had split from my marriage. But I can see a very hard part of being away for work for long periods when you have family at home would be one hell of a juggle of emotions. Then being on a ship where you are trapped in the same environment day in day out, just adds a whole new level to cope with. A very interesting and thought provoking video.
Hey Joe, Thanks for sharing. Mental Health is a huge issue these days, as we all know now we are seriously effected by our mental state. Well at least some people become aware of the necessity to do a mental self check on occasion. And you are so right about not knowing someone else's current mental state or situation. Being kind to yourself and those around you we all learned at a young age, but as it turns out not everyone learns at the same rate. Being imprisoned on a ship at sea is by it's very nature a tough row to hoe, cause there ain't no where to escape, A sailor has to be prepared to fight the mental strains brought on by the circumstances. kinda like being in prison, ask me how I know. Be well everybody. and post when you can Joe. We always enjoy your video's
A sobering topic, but one you covered with clear information, sharing of your own experiences, and grace. Well done and much appreciated by this non-seafarer. 👍
Thank you Joe for this specific video. One of your best yet because of the subject matter. You explained it well. Blessings to you, your shipmates and safe travels.
So sad to now those lose hope. It must be tough to not get enough sleep and be unable to sleep when you have opportunity. Difficult to be away from family. Joe will keep you in my prayers always, you are a good man.
Good for you Joe, some of your best work and thank you for addressing this issue. I understand isolation after retiring from LE after a long career. LE can be very isolating, especially these days. You covered many common subjects and some solutions to breaking the bonds of Depression. Stay strong brother and get hold of me any time you want to talk. Never...never think you are alone. Peace and hope to you.
Joe! Thank you! I’m not a sailor yet, but I’m getting there! I think this is one of my favorites of your videos. As a former hospital chaplain and mental health worker this information is so valuable, and you are a trusted voice on this platform for your community and industry. Thank you again and may you sail safe seas!
Great video on an important subject. I’m in my late 70s now but when a young man often thought of going to sea. Went down a different career path but I get to live that life through your videos. Always excellent. Fair seas.
Great you made this vid Joe🥰🙏i have struggled with mental health for many years. And to get help was the best thing i did. R.I.P. to all the sailors the jumped the rail💔
Great Job Joe on talking about a subject that people don't want to hear about, ignore or not educate themselves on it. I'm a paramedic and we train a lot for Medicals and Trauma. But they didn't train us for rescuing ourselves from all that you listed like burnout, PTSD, Stress and so on. I got the feeling listening to you that something happened and that drove you to do this one. I'm sorry if something did, and no explanation needed. I believe God knows the details and Lifting you up in prayers Brother! Again great video! Fair Winds and Following Seas.
I spent some time at sea in the Coast Guard. Being at sea is something you love and struggle with all at the same time. It's one of the most incredible things a person can experience. Sometimes a person just hits a wall.
Thank you Joe for sharing that with all of us I hope a lot of people watch this video cuz I'm sure it's going to help those who are Mariners as well as their families who have people at Sea God bless you buddy great video keep up the great work look forward to all of your videos and I've seen all of them and appreciate your content. As a hypnotist I love to help people who need it. You're awesome. Love you buddy take care
I appreciate your honesty on what seems to be a taboo topic in the USA, especially for men. It takes great strength and courage for this conversation. Good on you for doing it. Well done, and keep up the good work. Love all of yourvideos. Take care of yourself.
Mr Joe, you seem like a really level-headed guy. I feel I too, am that way. Glad to see you reaching out, offering help. Your last video had me all excited to invite my 18 year old to consider this journey in life, then you showed those empty boots by the railing and, whoa! That was tough! May God bless all you unsung heroes who work behind the scenes to make our lives possible!
I have watched all your offerings since subscribing to your channel. However, I have never commented on your always enjoyable & informative videos since I really had nothing to add to your entertaining narrative. With this presentation, I truly understand & connect to your "soul" & "character" which is exceptional. You are a true product of "New Jersey"; something which is never easy to define and/or explain to the rest of the world. I just now know that you are "GOOD" and so extremely worthy of my admiration & our respect. Thank you for sharing this to your viewers! This is Peter M; out!
Great video Joe ….i was in the London Fire Brigade for 26 years , we used to have a thing unofficially called “ weekend routines “ which in effect meant you worked hard Monday to Friday .. but at weekends it was just essential testing and maintenance of equipment, and then the rest of the day was for us as a watch to do things together , play sport ..BBQ, go to the gym etc … this slowly got eroded over my last ten years or so , weekends became awful … drills were booked in , long winded operational exercises were also carried out ….watch life and morale went down the toilet … and it never recovered… Looking after the men , giving a bit back to them carries a lot of currency ….reduce them to commodities than have to be worked hard only brings about toxicity… both for that individual, but also the group …. Keep all the great videos coming Joe … smooth sailing …
Joe covering Mental health at sea that’s a great idea, family friends that wouldn’t have an idea what that’s like, now have a starting point for that thought and new mariners will have ideas as to what they can do 😊
Before the Valdez Grounding and OPA 90 regulations alcoholism was often rampant on ships and amongst the crews.Often times in Final Departures and the obituaries in The NMU ‘s Pilot cause of death would be “lost at sea”,which was a euphemism for suicide while in the throes of Delerium Tremens, the DT ‘s. I knew some guys who tooks this route.3 of them specifically.Decent men and good shipmates.But the monster within prevailed.All I can say is “There but for the grace of God goes I.”
As a therapist married for 51 years to a former MM you have done an excellent job on this video, thank you.
What I appreciate most about your videos is that you don't feel compelled to say goofy stuff or long, drawn-out introductions.
"So, yeah. Let's get into it."
Thank you.
Hi Joe. I worked in the trades for many decades. For a few years, I did a lot of work at a Naval weapons Station and enlisted housing. At least back then, I learned that enlisted personnel spent six months out at sea every year. Many of the guys I ran into were career people with wife and kids. It made me think how difficult it would be to leave your family for that amount of time. If you ever run into a friend who is having difficulty and trying to get their mind back to some state of health. Let them know there are regular people out here that appreciate what they do. If it wasn’t for guys like you, this world could not function. Wishing you and your fellow merchant marines, the best of health, safety, and happiness.
A big YES to you my friend 😊❤😊
Just looking at the disruptive fighting in the Red sea. The amount of goods we all want from Costco very quickly. YES you are so ,so right 👍. Everyone stereotype sailor Professional Mariners as these cut throat pirates. The TV show below Decks don't help ( the heavy drinking and the bad mouthing of the charter guests) makes people that do the sea trades, look "BAD"
I do like how big charter vessels have started doing video on the Real work of charter crews on high seas. This video series is another excellent 👍 channel on life at sea. I worked 6 years on a small Tug in the Army reserve. The Skipper was a WW-2 veteran, he was in the battle of the Coral sea. His story of being of big Navy ships that sank was sad, but it was like he had to talk about it.
Great video thank you ❤
When the video is better at doing the thing the sponsor does than the sponsor.
Clear, simple, wise, non-judgemental, honest, informed, based on lived experience and with practical advice. I hope you feel good about what you've done here.
Joe, the depth and breadth of what you cover on this channel amazes me. Appreciate your continued quest to give us all the “big picture” of the modern day sailor.
This is one of your better videos. Thank you. A lot of people live on their own metaphoric ship. When working from home, you don't socialize and only talk about work. It's essential to find an escape and balance. I'm learning this now, but I wish I had discovered this sooner.
It's a tough job, being away from "life", friends and family, glad to see you talking about mental health, I believe we don't talk about it enough. Thanks Joe!
For Sure ,,,
Love when one of my favorite creators starts getting sponsors. Couldn't have happened to a better guy
literally the best..... nat geo, sign this guy!!!
Yea the worst sponsor without a doubt
I wish the creators promoting betterhelp had to actually use it. I lose respect for anyone hawking this garbage
Protect yourself Joe, love your journey. Important message for everyone in every profession. Thank you! Rod
Thank you so much as always Uncertainzee! It is a difficult topic but keeping it in the shadows helps no one.
I love Sundays at Sea. It’s like a reset for the mind and body while at sea. The little things means a lot.
Joe, thanks so much for talking about the elephant in the room in many jobs!! I'm a guy and was raised by two dysfunctional alcoholics. I'm 64 now and I have several guy friends that I have worked hard to build a relationship with. I can spill my shit in front of them and they don't condemn me or look down on me. Eventually we can talk about anything. Somehow being able to share your struggles with another human being (hence counseling can be good and I have seen a few) is really powerful. We are not made to carry all these burdens in life. And life is frickin hard sometimes!! I follow Jesus and that is where I get my direction from, but even for those who don't this is still true. Thanks for making this video!
Never knew about the sailor leaving his boots at the deck handrail before going overboard. That was an eye-opener, sobering and grievous to think about.
I'm glad you addressed this mental health issue. It is a big problem no one talks about. Keep up the good work Joe.
As a veteran I'm grateful you put a light on this issue. Great job Joe.
Great advice, Joe, on or off the ship. Thanks for sharing this.
I was at sea on British tankers in the 70's & 80's and our trips were on average four months long. We didn't have mobile phones or internet and news from home would arrive via letter sometimes weeks or even months after an event. I always found that structure helped. For example Saturdays were half days (unless on watch); we had set movie nights shown from a 16mm projector, we had steak nights and special meals once or twice per trip. But perhaps the biggest difference between now and then is that we had bars on the ships and most nights after work, we would have a few beers and just talk shit. It really did help.
Well said saltyold seadog. Same here. 70's on Cargo ships, bulk carriers etc. Once finished work we could chill out, have a beer, movie nights, quiz nights etc. write a letter or send a postcard. Also more time in ports in those days. Work overtime when at sea but once hit ports it was fun times. But when time came to get back into work mode we all did.
That was so important. I was never a MM but spent many years at sea in the Canadian Navy in the late 60's , 70's and 80's long before WiFi etc, so mail, good food and proper pay and good comunications played a huge roll in the ships well being. Thanks for this video. you are spot on.
One of the best videos on this topic I’ve seen. Actual referenced statistics without generalities, and practical applications.
The sea was the only place where I felt calm and complete. I miss that so much.
Good topic brother. Well done. Take care, fair winds.
Thanks for doing this brother. I am a high voltage lineman and we have also lost some brothers due to mental health and substance abuse. There is help out there!!! 9-1/2 years clean and I am always here to talk to my fellow brothers. We do not need to fight our internal battles alone.
Great tips for life on land, and I'm trying to take it to heart. Thanks, Joe!
You’re the greatest Joe. So glad I found your channel. I’m always excited to see when you drop a new one! Safe Sailing my friend!!
Oh! I’m glad you had a pretend ‘toxic’ crew member! Sending you some happy thoughts and thanks for those long long days at sea that you and the others endure so we can have stuff from the other side of the world. Great job Joe! X
I love your content. I spent some time on seismic boats as an electronics tech with a very fixed rotation schedule, usually 4 weeks on/2 weeks off. We were in the GoM so we got choppered on and off the boat. There was only one time that my relief failed and that was the most miserable month that I ever spent. Of course the nature of the work was that we almost never came into port and every day was just like the last. The hardest part for me was feeling trapped on board with no way to escape. That and the constant noise from the boat's machinery (on a seismic boat besides the propulsion, there are generators and huge air compressors that run constantly on deck), there was no escape. My last hitch I cried when it was time to get on the helicopter to go out and I knew I had to quit. This was almost 40 years ago and I still feel it. All this is to say I feel ya dude. Take care of yourself.
WOG day! Did mine on USS Enterprise CVN-65 as a WOG back in 1988. But yes Mental health out at sea back in my day was not something many delt with in a good way. Me included. Thank you for covering this topic.
A very brave video to do, and good advice. Having a boss who cares makes a huge difference.
Honesty always seems to be the best approach. People can handle the truth better than deception
There's a lot of valid points you make.
My dad did his time in the merchant navy
He was at sea at at an interesting time & his line did runs out of the UK down west, south & south east Africa or through suez to India, Singapore and as far as Perth or Sydney in Australia.
He did a total of about 8 yrs in.
His biggest challenge was adjusting back to shore life.
With containerisation the ports are way out of town where he would in his day sail right into capt town or Durban.
Different times
Thanks Joe. Always insightful content from you.
Good shit Joe I hope this helped out someone that was in need
It did!
In 1969, I was stationed on Guam for 18 months. There was no such thing as calling home in those days. I was told it was $50 a minute to do so and just put it out of my head. Mail had a 2 week turn around time minimum.
In 1968, I sailed the Great Lakes on the turn of the century old steamship SS Lackawanna. It had the deck hand/deck watch crew sharing a single rusty steel bulkhead room with one porthole that shared a wall with the anchor chain locker. We had 3 sets of rusty pipe bunkbeds with thin mattresses and a small table with 2 chairs. It was like returning to your cell at the end of the day. Today's ships are pure luxury by comparison. No wonder guys go crazy.
I could listen to you talk all day you voice is calming
Thank you for shedding more light on one of the most important issues the world is dealing with.
Great video and topic, Joe! I’m proud of you for exposing this issue. I spent 32 years as a Firefighter, and now run a large first responder peer and mental health organization. The simple act of TALKING will save, and improve someone’s life. The power of a conversation cannot be understated.
Mental health is under discussed and under appreciated. Thank you for talking about it. Good job!
I know that I could never do your work just based on sleep patterns. I have so much respect for the extra work you have to put in to make this career work. I also really appreciate anyone willing to discuss mental health. I have had some great therapy but also some that (perfectly cordially) didn't work. It's important to start therapy as a two way interview to find the right therapist, but mainly just start getting help.
Hi Joe, I have never commented on a video before, but felt compelled to for this one. This is a very important issue, and you should be commended for covering it so well.
Thanks for that!
Really great vid, Joe. REALLY great. Because it's not only sailors that can relate and can benefit from your thoughts. Thanks
Great video Joe most people dont talk about mental health thank you my buddy worked maintenance on the pipeline on the north slope in Alaska for 15 years and quit because he couldnt take the isolation it took him time to adjust to being home but is doin good now have a great day be safe.
A difficult and often ignored topic. Thanks for exploring the issues.
Thank you, Joe, for as you said, 'shining a light' on a difficult subject. I'm a retired therapist, and have actually long thought about what it must be like for not only merchant marines, but those in the military (who might not want it known that they're struggling and could use some help) and those others who for whatever reason (I'm thinking NOAA and other research entities) might live through long periods of basically enforced isolation. I hope that this video wasn't inspired by the loss of a crew mate; but I'm deeply glad you did it. I hope that others see this and are less afraid to reach out. Thanks again for your openness and compassion in putting this out there.
Well done Joe for highlighting this subject. Good on you man. Great video....
My attitude on life, It is what it is . Another great video Mr. Joe
Thanks for the uptick in video frequency! I appreciate it! Heck yeah!
Hello Joe. I just retired as a Chief Bos'n RCN.
I must say you are bang on with the topics you covered.
Thank you.
This is an amazing video. Mental health is a difficult subject to address as it is, and especially in lines of work that tend towards, "rub dirt on it and you'll be fine". I hope that you have helped people by this video, and thank you for speaking up for those who may have been feeling lost in the void.
You did an excellent job dealing with a delicate subject. The communication was clear and easily understandable. Until I watched one of your videos I knew next to nothing about the merchant marine industry. I knew my father in law, who passed away before I started dating his daughter, had been a merchant mariner during WWII. Thanks to your videos I now realize that he must have been a steward. I deeply appreciate that you have produced the videos and that they’re superbly done.
Your best episode yet. Thanks for shining a light n a critical issue, not just for seafarers but for all of us,
Thanks Joe for having the talk. This could save lives.
Excellent content and much needed not only for seafarers but many who work long hours and sacrifice themselves in the process.
Congratulations on the sponsorship! I'm happy to see the channel advancing!
Beautiful sunset at 18:37!
The Joe Franta Ship video we didn't know we needed but are glad it came.
Fantastic insight into all aspects of life at sea. Thank you for sharing. 👍😎🇺🇸
Great video, my mother passed away last year while I was on the ship so I understand your story about your shipmate. I am lucky now as I only do 29 day hitches on a Container ship. I didn't enjoy longer hitches at all and having great crewmates sure does help. Keep up the good work and safe sailing!
Thats rough. Safe sailing to you as well.
that intro hits hard Joe, thanks foe this! mental health is no joke, listen to ur body n ur mind ppl!! stay safe!!
Thanks Joe for talking about a subject that is often ignored. Great advice whether you are on a ship or not.
FINALLY. This video needed to happen, Joe. My wife knows I've expressed interest in becoming a seafarer... I can sense that I'd be okay with it, and she wouldn't. This is a heavy video that both her and I need to watch.
The dynamic of couples when one person is at sea is a huge stressor. I will eventually have a video about how family members of sailor deal with their loved ones being away.
@@JoeFranta I look forward to that. I'd like to share it with my wife.
I’m a retired Navy sailor, I can definitely relate to all this!! It’s a hard life for sure !
It is hard to cope with mental health issues while at sea, there is no escape from the environment you're in and few people to turn to. Thanks for the clear picture of being onboard a ship.
I haven't ever been a seafarer but have worked away from home. I spent two years in a job flying around to work sites, living out of a suitcase. For me at the time it was great. I have no family and had split from my marriage. But I can see a very hard part of being away for work for long periods when you have family at home would be one hell of a juggle of emotions. Then being on a ship where you are trapped in the same environment day in day out, just adds a whole new level to cope with. A very interesting and thought provoking video.
A very important topic for mariners, and you did it so well. It really hit me in the heart. Awesome video! Keep up the great work, Joe!
Life is always difficult for all of us!!! We do have toxic staffs in the office too! Take care!
Thank you for this video.
Hey Joe, Thanks for sharing. Mental Health is a huge issue these days, as we all know now we are seriously effected by our mental state. Well at least some people become aware of the necessity to do a mental self check on occasion. And you are so right about not knowing someone else's current mental state or situation. Being kind to yourself and those around you we all learned at a young age, but as it turns out not everyone learns at the same rate. Being imprisoned on a ship at sea is by it's very nature a tough row to hoe, cause there ain't no where to escape, A sailor has to be prepared to fight the mental strains brought on by the circumstances. kinda like being in prison, ask me how I know. Be well everybody. and post when you can Joe. We always enjoy your video's
A sobering topic, but one you covered with clear information, sharing of your own experiences, and grace. Well done and much appreciated by this non-seafarer. 👍
Thank you Joe for this specific video. One of your best yet because of the subject matter. You explained it well. Blessings to you, your shipmates and safe travels.
So sad to now those lose hope. It must be tough to not get enough sleep and be unable to sleep when you have opportunity. Difficult to be away from family. Joe will keep you in my prayers always, you are a good man.
Good for you Joe, some of your best work and thank you for addressing this issue. I understand isolation after retiring from LE after a long career. LE can be very isolating, especially these days. You covered many common subjects and some solutions to breaking the bonds of Depression. Stay strong brother and get hold of me any time you want to talk. Never...never think you are alone. Peace and hope to you.
Joe! Thank you! I’m not a sailor yet, but I’m getting there! I think this is one of my favorites of your videos. As a former hospital chaplain and mental health worker this information is so valuable, and you are a trusted voice on this platform for your community and industry. Thank you again and may you sail safe seas!
Really enjoyed this, am not a seafarer but fully understand that a sailors life is not an easy one, thank you for sharing
Great video Joe. Not everyone is willing to talk about mental health, so it’s great that you have. Everyone can relate… land or sea.
Good on you brother for sharing the mental health challenges that are seldom talked about.
Great video on an important subject. I’m in my late 70s now but when a young man often thought of going to sea. Went down a different career path but I get to live that life through your videos. Always excellent. Fair seas.
Thanks for making this video, Joe. I worked the lakes for a minute and I feel this.
Great you made this vid Joe🥰🙏i have struggled with mental health for many years. And to get help was the best thing i did. R.I.P. to all the sailors the jumped the rail💔
Hey Joe. I commend you for telling the whole story. If this helps even one person then it was a smashing success!
Thanks so much Dean!
Excellent content Joe. Good for you to expose this topic that people generally don’t want to broach 👍
Great video - thank you for highlighting the things others don’t want to talk about. This could save someone. Much appreciated fam.
That was my goal!
Great Job Joe on talking about a subject that people don't want to hear about, ignore or not educate themselves on it. I'm a paramedic and we train a lot for Medicals and Trauma. But they didn't train us for rescuing ourselves from all that you listed like burnout, PTSD, Stress and so on. I got the feeling listening to you that something happened and that drove you to do this one. I'm sorry if something did, and no explanation needed. I believe God knows the details and Lifting you up in prayers Brother! Again great video! Fair Winds and Following Seas.
I spent some time at sea in the Coast Guard. Being at sea is something you love and struggle with all at the same time. It's one of the most incredible things a person can experience. Sometimes a person just hits a wall.
100%
Thank you Joe for sharing that with all of us I hope a lot of people watch this video cuz I'm sure it's going to help those who are Mariners as well as their families who have people at Sea God bless you buddy great video keep up the great work look forward to all of your videos and I've seen all of them and appreciate your content. As a hypnotist I love to help people who need it. You're awesome. Love you buddy take care
I appreciate your honesty on what seems to be a taboo topic in the USA, especially for men. It takes great strength and courage for this conversation. Good on you for doing it. Well done, and keep up the good work. Love all of yourvideos. Take care of yourself.
Great video Joe! Thanks for shining the light, it's important.
Good job Joe. There's not nearly enough emphasis on keeping your head screwed on straight and tight and your vocation needs it more than most.
Mr Joe, you seem like a really level-headed guy. I feel I too, am that way. Glad to see you reaching out, offering help. Your last video had me all excited to invite my 18 year old to consider this journey in life, then you showed those empty boots by the railing and, whoa! That was tough! May God bless all you unsung heroes who work behind the scenes to make our lives possible!
this was one of the BEST videos i've ever seen...period
Excellent job. Sail on and live your best life!
I always look forward to your videos, this one was a bit different. Thanks for sharing the challenges of a sailor's life.
You, Sir, are a class act.
I have watched all your offerings since subscribing to your channel. However, I have never commented on your always enjoyable & informative videos since I really had nothing to add to your entertaining narrative. With this presentation, I truly understand & connect to your "soul" & "character" which is exceptional. You are a true product of "New Jersey"; something which is never easy to define and/or explain to the rest of the world. I just now know that you are "GOOD" and so extremely worthy of my admiration & our respect. Thank you for sharing this to your viewers! This is Peter M; out!
everyone is fighting their own battles
Great video Joe ….i was in the London Fire Brigade for 26 years , we used to have a thing unofficially called “ weekend routines “ which in effect meant you worked hard Monday to Friday .. but at weekends it was just essential testing and maintenance of equipment, and then the rest of the day was for us as a watch to do things together , play sport ..BBQ, go to the gym etc … this slowly got eroded over my last ten years or so , weekends became awful … drills were booked in , long winded operational exercises were also carried out ….watch life and morale went down the toilet … and it never recovered…
Looking after the men , giving a bit back to them carries a lot of currency ….reduce them to commodities than have to be worked hard only brings about toxicity… both for that individual, but also the group ….
Keep all the great videos coming Joe … smooth sailing …
Joe covering Mental health at sea that’s a great idea, family friends that wouldn’t have an idea what that’s like, now have a starting point for that thought and new mariners will have ideas as to what they can do 😊
Great work pulling the blinders off. I never considered that to be an issue. Thank you
Before the Valdez Grounding and OPA 90 regulations alcoholism was often rampant on ships and amongst the crews.Often times in Final Departures and the obituaries in The NMU ‘s Pilot cause of death would be “lost at sea”,which was a euphemism for suicide while in the throes of Delerium Tremens, the DT ‘s.
I knew some guys who tooks this route.3 of them specifically.Decent men and good shipmates.But the monster within prevailed.All I can say is “There but for the grace of God goes I.”
This is fantastic and thank you! It really puts things in perspective, and tempers my desire to go to sea. But it's still absolutely fascinating.
Thank you for shedding some light on this topic! I have enjoyed your videos!
Hey Joe, thanks for bringing this to the surface!