Mental health in commercial transport doesn’t get nearly the attention it deserves. We check our brakes, our mirrors, our logbooks - but when was the last time we gave our thoughts a proper once-over?
Long Roads, Long Thoughts
Long-haul drivers face a perfect storm for emotional fatigue:
Isolation: You’re often alone for 8, 10, 12 hours - no quick chat at the kettle, no shared jokes.
Disrupted sleep: Rotating shifts and strange stopovers play havoc with circadian rhythms.
Pressure: Deadlines. Traffic. Breakdowns. Paperwork. It all adds up.
Poor nutrition: Let’s be honest - service station sandwiches aren’t quite brain food.
Add to that the sheer physical toll of sitting for hours, and it’s clear the role asks a lot of both body and mind.
Signs Your Mind Might Be Overheating
We’re taught to spot engine trouble - juddering, overheating, strange noises. Your brain gives signs too:
You feel flat, even after rest
You snap easily at small things
You’re anxious before each shift
You’re relying on food, fags, or energy drinks to “push through”
Sleep becomes harder, or you feel constantly tired despite it
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. But you don’t have to white-knuckle through it.
Pit Stops for the Mind
Here’s what regular mental maintenance could look like:
1. Routine Checks
Take five minutes a day to check in with yourself. Ask:
“How do I feel, honestly?”
“What’s been bothering me lately?”
“What’s one small thing I can do to make today easier?”
It’s not therapy — it’s tuning your own dashboard.
2. Healthy Fuel
Nutrition affects mood more than we realise. Keep high-sugar, high-fat binges occasional. Instead, stock up on: Bananas
Mixed nuts
Water (not just energy drinks)
Wholegrain snacks
Tiny swaps. Big impact.
3. Stay Connected
Even one call a day, to a mate or your partner or a sibling, keeps isolation in check. Podcasts help too. Listening to other voices reminds us we’re part of something bigger.
4. Mindfulness (Yes, Really)
Not all drivers will be on board with meditation apps, and that’s fine. But mindfulness isn’t always sitting cross-legged in silence. It can be:
Noticing the countryside you pass
Listening deeply to music without distractions
Breathing slowly when traffic’s driving you mad
It’s mental clutch control.
5. Know When to Ask for Help
There’s no shame in struggling. If your mental health feels off for more than a week or two, talk to someone. Your GP. A helpline. Even your manager, if they’re worth their salt.
Mental health doesn’t make you weak. Ignoring it does.
Resources That Actually Help
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): thecalmzone.net
Mind: Offers support and local contact details – mind.org.uk
NHS Every Mind Matters: nhs.uk/every-mind-matters
HGV Talk forums: Sometimes just reading other drivers’ posts can help you feel less alone
Final Thoughts
We service our fleet of CTT vehicles because we want them to last - your mind deserves the same care. You’re not just a driver - you’re a professional with a head full of maps, memories, and probably a few brilliant ideas. Keep that head in good shape.
So before your next shift: take five. Breathe. Think. Check your mirrors - and check in with yourself too. At CTT we remind all of our drivers about the importance of looking after their mental health - and teach our learner drivers how to manage their mental health effectively. If you are interested in booking omn to one of our training programmes, please reach out to us using the online contact form or give us a call on 01525 370 862 and we get you booked in asap. Your mind, like your lorry, is going the distance.