Mental health? It’s not just a word or phrase that should be taken likely. In fact, it is a very serious and devastating condition, and yes, I will say condition because the severity and depths of how it can succumb an individual is unimaginable.
Now, many books, articles have written upon mental health, and we even had debates on television, seminars trying to tap into spreading the importance to STOP! RECONGOISE! And ACT! On this subject matter. But do we stop, recognise, and act on this, do we give ourselves the opportunity to learn, not only for ourselves, but to also help others like your fellow colleague, family member or loved ones?
In recent years, the approach towards mental health has improved, with more open discussions and reduced stigmatization of mental health issues.
However, there are still some communities and industries, including the taxi industry, where there is still a strong fear of losing one’s job if they seek help for anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. The demands of the job are so great at times, due to staff shortages in industry, to financial climate, to many more conflicting matters, that within all this we find ourselves lost and forgotten to focus and look after ourselves thus succumbing to the pressures that impede upon the nature of our mental health.
It is estimated that one in four adults in the UK suffers from at least one mental health illness in any given year, now given the total number of the population in the UK being close to around 68.9 million, that is quite a concerning, whilst (Source: https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/uk-population/) equivalent to a quarter of all taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers.
However, only one in three adults with a common mental health problem is currently receiving treatment in the form of talking therapies, medication, or both, with psychiatric medication being the most common treatment offered.
This lack of treatment is estimated to affect 75% of people with mental health problems in England. In the case of the taxi industry, this equates to over 82,000 cabbies across the UK likely to have experienced mental health issues in the last 12 months. (Sources: https://www.taxi-point.co.uk/).
One major fear that prevents taxi drivers from seeking help for mental health issues is the fear of losing their job. The prospect of seeking help for mental health issues can be daunting for drivers, particularly as any medical consultation with a GP or other healthcare professional is likely to be documented in their medical records.
In turn, this information may need to be reported to the DVLA and licensing authority if the GP believes it to be necessary. The fear of jeopardizing their job security and financial stability, which could be further compounded by an uncertain diagnosis, makes the decision to seek help even more difficult.
Furthermore, the demands of the job itself, such as working long hours alone, sitting for extended periods, unhealthy eating habits, late nights, and high overheads, can all contribute to mental health issues.
Taxi drivers often face barriers when trying to access professional help for mental health issues. As a result, some drivers have turned to self-help WhatsApp groups and even get together with close friends, although these groups do not replace the need for professional assistance, and in some instances, can exacerbate problems if the advice given is inappropriate.
Many licensing authorities in the UK have made gestures towards addressing this issue, such as providing information on mental health charities, encouraging drivers to visit their GP, and offering generic advice on managing triggers.
However, these initiatives fall short of providing the support that taxi drivers require, given that policies established by these authorities and the DVLA Group 2 criteria imposed impede drivers from accessing the help they need.
Therefore, it is crucial to provide safety training that includes mental health as a standard program for all taxi drivers. It is imperative that all drivers complete these courses to ensure their safety and wellbeing, especially given the risks associated with the job, such as working long hours, navigating difficult driving conditions, and being exposed to stressful situations.
What about the role of fleet owners towards their drivers to help protect against mental health concerns?
As important as it is for independent drivers to ensure all that can do for their mental health, it is just as importantly paramount that a taxi or private hire company take the steps in ensuring the safety and well-being of both drivers and passengers. One way to ensure this is by having all employees complete a Mental Health Awareness course with Safety as a Standard.
The course covers a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. It teaches employees how to recognize signs and symptoms of these issues and how to provide support to those who may be struggling. This is not only important for the well-being of the driver, but it also ensures a safe and comfortable ride for passengers.
A driver experiencing a mental health crisis may not be able to safely operate their vehicle. This can put passengers at risk and potentially cause an accident. By completing a Mental Health Awareness course, drivers can learn coping mechanisms to manage their mental health and avoid any potential safety hazards.
In addition to benefiting drivers, this course also benefits passengers. Passengers who may be struggling with their mental health can benefit from having a driver who is able to recognize their symptoms and provide appropriate support. This can help to create a safe and supportive environment, which can be especially important during a time of distress.
Moreover, passengers who feel safe and supported are more likely to use a taxi or private hire service again in the future. By making safety and mental health awareness a priority, companies can increase their customer base and improve their reputation in the community.
Overall, completing a Mental Health Awareness course with Safety as a Standard is a beneficial and important step for taxi and private hire companies. It not only ensures the safety and well-being of drivers and passengers, but it also improves the company’s reputation and customer base. By investing in the mental health of their employees, companies can create a safer and more supportive environment for all.
Remember, the choice is yours, but never forget that taxi drivers are not alone in their struggles with mental health. Help is available, so don’t let fear hold you back. Your livelihood is important, but your life is even more so. If you experience mental health concerns or breakdowns, it’s time to make some serious choices. It’s time for authorities, councils, and fleets to step up and prioritize the safety and well-being of drivers. It’s not enough to just listen and sit on the issue – action must be taken. Don’t wait – act now to ensure that taxi drivers receive the support and resources they need to thrive.
