As USS Lincoln heads home, mental health experts tally the stressors of life at sea

The USS Abraham Lincoln is now on its way home after spending nine months at sea. Experts weigh in on the mental-health challenges of prolonged confinement and isolation aboard an aircraft carrier.

<img src='https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4586x2896+0+0/resize/4586x2896!/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F33%2F78%2Fb41bb2734460bb62a6145da0c7d9%2Fgettyimages-2271668787.jpg' alt='The USS Abraham Lincoln conducts U.S. blockade operations related to the Strait of Hormuz on April 16, 2026 in the Arabian Sea. The aircraft carrier is now headed homeward after reports of deteriorating conditions onboard.'/><p>The USS Abraham Lincoln is now on its way home after spending nine months at sea. Experts weigh in on the mental-health challenges of prolonged confinement and isolation aboard an aircraft carrier.</p><p>(Image credit: U.S. Navy via Getty Images)</p><img src='https://media.npr.org/include/images/tracking/npr-rss-pixel.png?story=nx-s1-5936445' />