A “silent epidemic” of depression and mental health problems among HGV drivers must be tackled if the industry is to keep the economy ticking over, according to digital marketplace SNAP.

It said 44% of professional truck drivers suffered from depression and one in five described their mental health as poor.

To support World Mental Health Awareness Day (10 October), SNAP asked lorry drivers on social media to share the measures they took to look after their mental health.

Many said they turned to friends, family and other drivers in the industry for support – but they also described truck driving as a lonely and thankless job.

“Service stations and truckstop facilities are expensive and poor,” responded one.

“With the way the industry treats truck drivers, it’s not unusual to consider that there’s ill health and problems pertaining to mental and physical issues,” said another.

“Dirty truck parks, diabolical rest areas, and unacceptable shower rooms.”

SNAP cited research by mental health charity Mates in Mind, which found HGV drivers have a 20% higher suicide rate than the national average, with long hours behind the wheel being isolating and leading to feelings of loneliness, anxiety and depression.

SNAP MD Matthew Bellamy said: “Raising awareness surrounding driver mental health is critical if the industry is to tackle this silent epidemic.

“As the backbone of global commerce, the haulage industry must ensure truck drivers are equipped with the right tools and support to look after their mental health.

“We can start by encouraging open discussions among drivers, fleet managers, and colleagues. We must address added factors such as inadequate facilities, heightened workloads, and a driver shortage that has increased ongoing pressures.”

Earlier this year, construction haulier Civils & Lintels started advertising Mates in Mind on its trucks after one of its drivers, who had struggled with his own mental health, came up with the idea.

Mark Byers said: “As a lorry driver, you spend lots of time on your own and if you’re not feeling 100% it’s good to know that you can reach out to a great charity like Mates in Mind.”

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