Old Sailor’s Syndrome

Professionals who spend long periods working in isolation, such as sailors, offshore rig workers, and lighthouse keepers, may develop a cluster of psychological disturbances later in their careers or after retirement. These conditions can include depression and anxiety, chronic fatigue and burnout, somatisation disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and mal de débarquement syndrome (MdDS). Because this pattern has frequently been observed among seafarers, some psychiatrists informally refer to it as “Old Sailor’s Syndrome.”

Individuals affected by this condition may experience vivid hallucinations of social interaction, such as conversing with friends, attending gatherings, or even arguing with adversaries. In real social environments, they may become unusually hyperactive, attempting to dominate conversations or outshine others. In some cases, the behaviour may escalate to aggression, and in rare situations, the psychological distress can lead to self-harm or suicidal tendencies.

Recent observations suggest that these behavioural patterns can also manifest on social media platforms. Affected individuals may spend long hours posting numerous messages, videos, and comments on their own or others’ pages. Although their posts often attract little attention, they may perceive or imagine receiving significant engagement and responses.

While most individuals exhibiting such behaviour are not dangerous to others, the condition should not be ignored. If a family member or close associate begins to show these signs, seeking professional psychiatric evaluation is advisable, particularly because prolonged feelings of neglect or social rejection may increase the risk of self-harm.