Severe stress affects 1 in 3 emergency workers

One-third of emergency services personnel are experiencing high or very high psychological distress, according to a new study.

The national study, commissioned by beyondblue and led by researchers from The University of Western Australia in partnership with Roy Morgan Research, has found high stress affects one in three emergency services workers, compared to one in eight Australian adults.

Other key findings from the study show nearly half the employees and one in three volunteers in emergency services are diagnosed with a mental health condition in their life, and half the employees experience a traumatic event in their work that deeply affects them.

More than 21,000 police, fire, ambulance and SES employees, volunteers and retired and former personnel took part in the study ‘Answering the call’, which is being launched today.

Respondents answered questions about their wellbeing and resilience, anxiety conditions, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidal thoughts.

Lead researcher of the study UWA Professor David Lawrence said the results confirmed that mental health issues were more common in police and emergency services agencies than in the general population and among other occupations.

“Despite this, individuals and teams do not always seek the support they need with many concerned about the potential impact on their careers and work, and the stigma involved in addressing mental health issues,” he said.

“The study is very important as it provides evidence to help identify ways for agencies and the community to improve mental health and wellbeing in the sector, and to support the people who protect us when they also need help themselves.”

The mental health and wellbeing survey is by far the largest ever to be undertaken among police and emergency services organisations with the largest number of participants.

Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman said the results would arm everyone with unprecedented national data and insights from those who serve to protect us and keep us safe.

“It is now everyone’s responsibility — governments, agencies, police and emergency services personnel and their families, unions and peak bodies, services and other stakeholders — to come together to convert this evidence into further action and lasting change,” he said.

“Beyond Blue will support the sector to do this; to analyse and use the research findings to continue to focus on the mental health and wellbeing of police and emergency service personnel.”

The ‘Answering the call’ report and additional information can be downloaded at www.beyondblue.org.au/pesresearch.

‘Answering the call’ was made possible by funding from Beyond Blue and the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre.

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