Trucking, often perceived as a straightforward profession, is in reality a test of resilience and adaptability for the mental health of those who undertake it. Following a recent survey conducted on our Facebook subscribers, a post that reached over 40,000 people, truck drivers shared their experiences, revealing how the profession impacts their mental health, for better or worse.
A Passion that Builds or Breaks
Trucking is a profession that ignites deep passions. For some, like François, a veteran of the road, this passion manifests as a love for the freedom and independence that life on the road offers. François shares that driving allows him to clear his mind and find peace within himself: “Driving is like therapy for me; it lets me rest mentally.”
Carole, who entered the profession later in life, expresses a similar sentiment, stating that becoming a truck driver was the best decision of her life. She emphasizes the importance of finding a company that values and supports its drivers, which can significantly enhance one’s work experience and job satisfaction.
However, this same passion can come at a high cost for those who struggle to manage the less idyllic aspects of the profession, such as prolonged isolation, long hours away from home, and the constant pressure of meeting deadlines. For these individuals, the passion for trucking can transform into a source of stress and mental exhaustion, leading to deep self-reflections about the long-term viability of this career. In this context, passion, as intense as it may be, can ultimately erode the well-being of those it consumes.
The solitude, a constant companion on long journeys, weighs heavily on some. Leif reports encountering many “lifeless” faces at truck stops, individuals clearly at their breaking point. The management of irregular schedules and the pressure to maintain tight deadlines exacerbate this sense of isolation, at times turning the truck cabin into an emotional prison.
Regulation and Pressure: A Double-Edged Sword
The strict regulation within the trucking industry, though necessary for safety, adds significant stress for drivers. Éric shares his frustrations about constraints imposed by tracking software and mandatory breaks, measures that, while essential, can disrupt the natural workflow. “When you’re tired, you can’t sleep, and when you’re awake and alert, you can’t drive,” he explains, highlighting the negative impact of these rigid rules on his daily life.
Others, like Michel, speak of the mental wear and tear accumulated over years of service, exacerbated by constant pressure. Michel shared how this pressure led him to consider radical changes to preserve his mental health. He sums up his experience by saying, “Eventually, it wears a man down. After 28 years on the highways, I couldn’t take it anymore. Now, 10 years on concrete mixers, very happy.”
These testimonials reveal the ongoing challenges faced by truck drivers, highlighting the need for a balance between safety imperatives and driver well-being. They underscore the necessity for ongoing dialogue between regulators and industry professionals to mitigate the impact of these regulations on drivers’ mental health.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
An often-overlooked but profoundly impactful aspect of the truck and tow truck driver’s profession is the psychological trauma resulting from road accidents, particularly when individuals deliberately throw themselves in front of trucks to end their lives, a tragic reality known as “suicide by truck.” While these incidents are relatively rare, they leave deep scars on the involved drivers, who may face overwhelming guilt, anxiety, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Facing such events, road workers can feel isolated and powerless, exacerbating the sense of loneliness often associated with this profession.
An Industry in Search of Balance
What these testimonials highlight is a pressing need for balance between the demands of the profession and the well-being of truck drivers. Improvements in working conditions, better consideration of the human aspects of the job, and regulation adapted to the realities on the ground are imperative. Constant dialogue between truck drivers, employers, and regulators can help find solutions that minimize stress and maximize safety and job satisfaction.
In conclusion, trucking can be a source of both fulfillment and distress. Understanding and acting on these dynamics is crucial to support those who take to the roads daily to fuel our economy, while also maintaining their mental health. In this regard, François offers a refreshing and optimistic view of the profession. He shares that trucking keeps him mentally healthy because he loves to travel, and on weekends, he can escape on his motorcycle, which serves as another form of therapy for him. His comment underscores the importance of finding activities and passions outside of work to maintain a healthy balance and a positive outlook, thus highlighting that despite the challenges, it is possible to find happiness and satisfaction in this demanding profession.
