Free Psychological Support - Confidential & Accessible
Who Can Receive Support
We provide professional, free psychological support to all seafarers: sailors, fishermen, port workers, Navy personnel, retirees, students, and seafarers’ families — in other words, to everyone whose life is connected to the sea.
Active Seafarers
Stress and burnout after long voyages
Coping with long absences from family
Seafarers Abroad
Maintaining family connections at a distance
Adapting to foreign crews and cultures
Unemployed Seafarers
Anxiety after layoffs
Finding new career opportunities
Military Seafarers
Transitioning to civilian life
Managing post-traumatic stress and reintegration
Families of Seafarers
Anxiety during absences
Emotional support for spouses, children, parents
Fishers
Coping with financial instability
Stress of seasonal employment
Maritime Students & Cadets
Career planning and professional choices
Dealing with academic pressures
Veterans of the Maritime Industry
Maintaining mental health after retirement
Finding new purpose in civilian life
About the “People of the Sea” Project
Stella Maris Ukraine - Apostleship of the Sea supports seafarers, fishers, and their families through a comprehensive program that combines:
Psychological services
Financial assistance
Educational initiatives
Community opportunities
Mission: Provide holistic care for the maritime community during wartime and post-war challenges.
Goal: Ensure emotional well-being and resilience of people connected to the sea.
Components of Professional Support
10 Qualified Psychologists
choose a specialist that fits your needs
9 Free Sessions
fully funded by Stella Maris Ukraine
2-Month Program
weekly online or offline meetings
Individual Work
personalized approach for deeper support
Online Sessions
available anywhere, anytime
How It Works
1
Submit an Application
leave your name, phone, and connection to the sea
2
Answer Questions
our administrator will call and guide you
3
Receive Access
you’ll get a personal account to manage sessions
4
Start Therapy
choose one of 10 psychologists and begin your program
Who Provides Support
A team of experienced psychologists and psychotherapists, trained in:
Trauma counseling
Stress management
Family support
Reintegration after military service
You choose who will guide you through your sessions.
Quick Registration
Stories of People of the Sea
All names have been changed to protect privacy.
Why Professional Support Matters
01
Support in Difficult Times
Professional psychologists provide emotional guidance during stress, anxiety, and crisis.
02
Improved Quality of Life
Regular sessions strengthen relationships, boost self-esteem, and enhance overall well-being.
03
Reduced Work-Related Stress
Especially for seafarers and fishers, therapy eases stress tied to long voyages and demanding conditions.
04
Prevention of Mental Disorders
Timely support detects and addresses problems early, preventing escalation.
05
Self-Regulation Skills
Psychologists teach practical tools to manage emotions and stress.
06
Individual Approach
Strategies are tailored to each person’s unique situation and needs.
07
Support in Adapting to Change
Guidance through transitions such as new jobs, retirement, or civilian reintegration.
08
Professional Confidentiality
Full privacy is guaranteed, creating a safe space to speak openly.
Support for Military and Demobilized Seafarers
Stella Maris’ program includes targeted assistance for active and demobilized Navy personnel.
If you are struggling with reintegration, post-traumatic stress, or the challenges of war, professional psychological support can help restore balance and rebuild your life.
Quick Registration
Founders and Project Partners
The world’s largest international maritime charity, providing spiritual and practical support to seafarers, fishers, and their families in ports worldwide.
In Ukraine, the Apostleship of the Sea (“Marine Apostolate”) delivers this mission locally through social and spiritual projects.
One of Ukraine’s leading private universities, combining academic excellence with spiritual formation. Offers programs in humanities, social sciences, economics, and IT.
A global nonprofit supporting maritime communities and youth through education, social, and environmental projects. Provides grants that create opportunities for growth and resilience.
A global law firm with over 130 years of maritime expertise. Offers legal protection for seafarers’ rights and ensures reliable support in commercial, insurance, and regulatory aspects of shipping.
FAQ
Who can receive psychological support under the project?
How are consultations conducted?
Exclusively online via secure video call.
What topics can I discuss with a psychologist?
Stress, anxiety, depression, family or relationship challenges, adaptation issues, burnout, fears of working at sea, and more.
Is confidentiality guaranteed?
Yes. All consultations are private and strictly follow professional ethics.
Are group sessions or webinars available?
No. Only one-on-one consultations are provided for maximum effectiveness.
What if I am not satisfied with the psychologist?
You can request to switch specialists at any time via the project coordinator.
Can family members of seafarers receive support?
Yes. Spouses, children, and parents are also eligible.
What languages are available?
Ukrainian, Russian, and English (upon request).
Have another question?
Fill out the contact form, and we will call you back.
Overcoming Challenges Together: Psychological Support for Seafarers and Their Families
The maritime profession has always carried unique challenges. In Ukraine today, these challenges are intensified: long separations from family, uncertainty about the future, threats from military actions, harsh working conditions, and constant adaptation to change all create significant psychological strain for seafarers and their families.
Psychological support is no longer a luxury-it is essential. It helps seafarers and their loved ones manage stress, maintain emotional balance, and preserve mental health. Ensuring psychological well-being is critical for maintaining Ukraine’s maritime potential, even under the pressures of conflict. Timely, professional support not only improves individual quality of life but also contributes to the stability and development of Ukraine’s entire maritime sector.
It enables seafarers to tackle professional challenges effectively, maintain healthy family relationships, and remain committed to their profession-even in the most difficult circumstances.
Challenges Faced by Seafarers and Their Families
- Professional Stress
- Danger in areas near military activity
- Employment instability due to altered shipping routes and sanctions
- Anxiety about family safety in Ukraine
- Long Separation from Loved Ones
- Inability to return home because of hostilities
- Travel restrictions for men of conscription age
- Heightened worry for family members in conflict zones
- Adaptation to Life Ashore
- Difficulties reintegrating after work in high-risk zones
- Rapid adjustment to societal and economic changes after long absences
- Need for retraining or finding new employment due to maritime sector shifts
- Impact of the War
- Constant stress from threats to family’s life and safety
- Financial instability due to war-related economic consequences
- Uncertainty about future career prospects
- Trauma from loss of family members or property
These overlapping stresses demand specialized psychological support to maintain mental health and continue professional activity effectively.
Support from Stella Maris Ukraine – “People of the Sea” Project
The “People of the Sea” project provides comprehensive psychological support tailored to the unique needs of Ukrainian seafarers and their families.
Key Features:
- Individual Online Sessions: One-on-one sessions with psychologists experienced in maritime life
- 9 Free Sessions Over 2 Months: Guidance designed to address the specific pressures of seafaring
- Flexible Scheduling: Appointments at times convenient for seafarers in any time zone
- Confidentiality: Full privacy ensures a safe space for discussing personal issues
- Specialized Support: Psychologists understand the demands of maritime work and the stressors of Ukraine’s current situation
- Online Access: Support available at sea or onshore, in Ukraine or abroad, for the globally mobile workforce
Our mission is to help seafarers navigate immediate challenges and equip them with tools for long-term mental well-being.
Take the Step Towards Mental Well-Being – We Are Here to Help
Your mental health is the foundation of professional success and family stability. The “People of the Sea” project provides support, resources, and guidance to overcome life’s challenges.
Do not face struggles alone. Take the first step toward better well-being today-sign up for free online consultations with our experienced psychologists. It is simple, confidential, and can start a meaningful positive change in your life.
Support at a Click Distance!
Please fill in the form:
The charitable organization “Apostleship of the Sea” – Stella Maris supports Ukrainian seafarers, fishers, and their families by providing psychological assistance, financial support, and educational resources.
We work to strengthen the maritime community – to overcome today’s challenges together and prepare for the future.
About the Project
Useful Information
© 2025, Charitable Organization “Apostleship of the Sea” – Stella Maris. All rights reserved.
Copying of materials only with the permission of the copyright holder.