The Miles We Carry: Mental Health on the Road
We talk a lot about miles — how many we drive, how fast we move, where we’re headed. But what about the miles we carry inside? The weight we don’t unload at the dock?
If you’ve ever sat in your truck at a rest stop at 2 AM, staring at the ceiling of your sleeper and wondering, “What am I doing all this for?” — you’re not alone. I’ve been there. Most drivers have.
That silence? It’s heavy. The kind that doesn’t show up on a GPS.
At Truxsy, we built this platform because trucking isn’t just about logistics — it’s about people. And real people deal with real struggles. Mental health is one of the biggest, most silent loads in our industry… and it's time we start talking about it.
Let’s Talk Numbers (Even If They Hurt)
Here’s the truth: over 50% of truck drivers report experiencing serious mental health symptoms — anxiety, loneliness, depression — and most don’t seek help.
27.9% of long-haul drivers report depression symptoms (CDC)
14% report PTSD symptoms (NIH)
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among male truckers under 50.
The suicide rate among U.S. truck drivers is 33.2 per 100,000 workers, significantly higher than the national average for all occupations.
Most drivers report sleeping less than 6 hours/night
Loneliness, financial pressure, and relationship strain are the top triggers
Mental Health Challenge
This isn’t just data — it’s us. Our people. Our community.
Why It Feels So Damn Hard
This job doesn’t come with a manual for your mind. You face:
Weeks away from home
Constant deadline pressure
Poor sleep in weird places
Junk food at every corner
Not enough time for real conversations
It’s like trying to build a strong mind while living in survival mode.
And let’s be real — there’s a culture in this industry that says, “Tough it out.” But toughness doesn’t mean silence. Toughness is reaching out. Toughness is checking in on your buddy. Toughness is saying, “I’m not okay” — and still showing up.
Small Steps, Big Difference
You don’t need a complete life overhaul to start feeling better. Try one of these:
Talk to someone — friend, partner, fellow driver, or a counselor online
Stretch and breathe — 5 minutes outside your cab can reset your head
Eat one real meal — not everything needs to be hot dogs and soda
Turn off the noise — swap the talk radio for music or silence sometimes
Use your breaks — not just to fuel your rig, but to recharge yourself
You’re Not Alone in This Cab
The road is long, but it doesn’t have to be lonely. At Truxsy, we’re building more than a platform — we’re building a tribe. A place where drivers have each other’s backs. Where your mental health isn’t taboo — it’s just part of the conversation.
Let’s make wellness part of our route. Let’s create a culture where checking in is as normal as checking your mirrors.
You matter. Not just the freight you carry. You.
So if today’s a rough day, take a breath. Reset. You’ve got more people in your corner than you think.
