As winter approaches and we wrap up our seventh month under the watchful glare of COVID-19

, it is natural for our spirits to start to drop. A Manitoba winter can be daunting enough, never mind under the shadow of a global pandemic and everything that comes with such an event; however, now more than ever, we need to dig deep, look out for one another, and help each other through these difficult times we are about to face.

Everyone is facing different stresses these days. For some, it’s striking a balance between working from home/living from work. Others have been laid off, some temporarily and others permanently. There are those trying to balance the competing demands of working from home with teaching from home and/or caring for other family members. Of course, we all have health concerns: what if I get sick? What does that look like for my family?

Professional drivers have the added stresses of long periods of isolation away from family and driving into areas that may be COVID hotspots. I could go on and on, but the point is this: everyone is under stress these days and we don’t know what stress each person is currently facing.

How do we deal with this stress? Just like everyone has different sources of tension, everyone deals with these tensions differently. Unfortunately, some people deal with stress that may only compound the problem, such as by turning to alcohol or drugs. Social media can be a double-edged sword: it can be an easy way to reach out to your network but it can also negatively impact your mental well-being. What are some healthy ways to deal with stress?

One way to deal with stress is to talk to someone – a straightforward suggestion that is easy for those of us who are working a regular schedule and seeing their families and friends frequently. For those now working remotely, the feelings of isolation that come from the 2020 workplace can be difficult. Reach out to your colleagues, even if it’s just to say hi. Touch base and see how they are doing.

For some drivers, their dispatcher might be the main point of human contact; therefore, it is important that employers appreciate and respect the relationship between a driver and dispatcher. In other cases, the driver-dispatcher relationship isn’t one that lends itself to such conversations; however, that doesn’t mean the driver can’t have someone else within the company to talk to, whether that’s in driver services, safety, HR, or the shop. David Henry, a long-time long-haul driver, host of the Crazy Canuck Truckin’ podcast, and advocate for driver mental health recommends that everyone, including drivers, creates a list of people to call when feeling down. He suggests letting people know that they are on this list and if they get a phone call, it is the caller’s way of reaching out to ask for help without specifically asking for it.

Another way to manage stress is through exercise. The activity doesn’t have to be vigorous but everyone should be active for at least 20 minutes per day. Take the time and learn to enjoy winter by taking a stroll after dinner, playing catch, or going skating or skiing. Drivers can invest in a small set of weights or resistance bands, that won’t take up a lot of space in a truck cab but still provide opportunity for exercise. Origami (foldable bikes) are another great option and are becoming more popular.

In speaking with David Henry about options for drivers to improve their mental health, he points out that regular exercise can be challenging for drivers (but emphasized that it’s not impossible: he walks regularly to exercise and improve his mental health). Many of the resources available are for those who work regular schedules or are home often – not for long-haul drivers in a different place every day; however, he also points out the value of kindness on mental health.

How good did it make you feel the last time you let someone into traffic or backed off from a slow driver? The simple act of slowing down (rather than following aggressively) can help a driver appreciate his or her surroundings. Buy a coffee for the next person in line: these are small acts of kindness that can make a difference in everyone’s day.

Finally, what other resources are available when the stress is too much to manage on your own?

Employers may want to consider sending staff to RPM’s Psychological First Aid course, which focuses on self-care, caring for others, and resilience. These are skills we all need during these challenging times and this course ensures staff are better equipped to help their colleagues.

Look into your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to see what options are available. Many EAP programs have resources available, including phone-in therapists.

211 is Canada’s primary source of information for government and community-based, non-clinical health and social services. The free and confidential service can be accessed 24 hours a day, in more than 150 languages, by phone, chat, text, and web. 211 helps connect people to the right information and services, making their pathway to care and resources a guided and trusted one. You do not have to give your name or personal details to ask for information. Resources specific to your location can be found on 211.

“These are crazy times and everyone needs to help them find what they need to be happy,” said Henry. “That’s not a cliché; we can’t just ignore the problems and power through. Take the time to stop and assess yourself.” Good advice from someone who prioritizes mental health in the trucking industry. So let’s be kind to one another and ourselves as we travel down these new roads together.