April is #StressAwarenessMonth.

17 April 2025

Policing comes with unique stressors that can affect even the most resilient officers. But stress doesn’t have to define your career. Identifying these triggers is the first step. Awareness is key to building resilience.

Ed Russell, Chair of Cumbria Police Federation, said: “Policing is a stressful career. Officers run towards danger, attend harrowing and traumatic incidents, deal with death, violence and abuse, not always sadly with the sort of support they deserve.

“It is entirely understandable that some people need help. It is important to identify those early signs whether in yourself or by speaking to your loved ones. If you are struggling to cope you must speak out, help is available and both the force and the Federation can assist with this.

“If you are a serving officer in Cumbria reading this and struggling with your mental health, please reach out to the Federation. We have partners and charities who can assist and can liaise with your management as required.

“On a personal note I have seen far too many colleagues in the direst of situations through bottling things up. Please, speak up.”

https://www.policecare.org.uk/help/stress/