Mental Health in Taxi Drivers
Spending long hours on the road, stress, rising costs, and poor diet all take their toll on a taxi driver’s mental health.
A recent study by the ride-hailing app FREE NOW also showed that a fifth of British people share their troubles with a taxi driver. While this can provide comfort to passengers, it can negatively impact the mental health of a taxi driver.
Australian researchers have developed an app that could tackle mental issues in the taxi industry.
A study was then conducted into the effectiveness of a mental health app – Driving to Health.
Participants included taxi drivers from the Melbourne Airport Taxi Holding Yard. The test concluded that the 42 participants used the app on multiple occasions.
Around 62% of people said they would recommend the app to others, with 95% saying that it increased their own mental health awareness.
What stops taxi drivers from getting help with their mental health?
Mental health has been a taboo subject for a long time, but it’s now much more openly discussed. But what exactly is stopping taxi drivers from seeking help for mental health issues?
The most common reason is the fear of job loss.
Any visits to a GP or NHS professional will be recorded on your medical record. Any treatment prescribed may need to be declared to the DVLA and licensing authority.
This alone is enough to stop taxi drivers from seeking help. But it shouldn’t.
Mental health help and guidance for taxi drivers
Speak to other cabbies
A problem shared is a problem halved and other taxi drivers could be facing similar issues to you.
By speaking to someone else, understand that you’re not alone and release some of the burden from yourself. They may even have some tips on how they manage bad mental health days on the road.
If you don’t feel comfortable speaking to another taxi driver in the industry. Friends and family are also great places to turn to for help without the fear of being judged.
Stay active
It can be hard to stay active when you’re sitting in the driving seat every day. But just 30 minutes of exercise a day can boost your mood. Find an exercise you enjoy – walking, running, or at-home workouts and incorporate it into your routine.
It’s recommended that adults complete at least 150 minutes of exercise per week.
Prioritise sleep
Long hours and late nights are a regular occurrence in the taxi trade, but it’s still important to get a good night’s sleep.
Having a poor sleep routine can negatively impact your mental health. It’s recommended that you get at least eight hours of sleep.
If you are working the night shift, be sure to prioritise sleep during the day.
Manage stress
If you regularly find yourself under pressure or getting easily stressed, it’s important to keep on top of it.
Stress is a catch-22 situation – it can cause mental health problems, and mental health problems can cause stress. To manage any stressful situations, try to take regular breaks if possible and avoid caffeine as this can make symptoms worse.
With the upcoming festive season, things might start to become busier and more stressful.
Read our tips on how to handle the Christmas rush as a taxi driver.