Huge rise in Cumbria officers taking time off for mental ill health

21 July 2025

In Cumbria, 165 police officers were signed off work last year due to stress, depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder over the past year.

This is almost double the numbers from the previous financial year.

Across the UK, over 17,700 police officers were signed off for mental health reasons in the financial year 2024-25, which is 22% up on last year and a huge 182% higher than when Police Oracle first ran the survey 12 years ago.

Of the 45 forces that provided figures both this year and last year, 33 reported an increased number of officers being signed off for mental ill health.

Ed Russell, Chair of Cumbria Police Federation, said: “Policing is all about protecting the public. Officers join because they want to make a difference in their communities. It is more than a job… it is a calling. It is however traumatic.

“From deaths to serious injuries, mental health crises to abuse and abusers, violence, hatred and unspeakable acts, officers up and down the country face these head on every day with the intent to help those who are victim to these and many more offences.

“This takes its toll.

“17,752 officers were signed off work in the past year due to stress, depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) across the country. Cumbria itself has seen a near 100% rise over the last year, the largest increase in our records.

“Why is this happening? Officers are leaving policing at unprecedented rates citing stress and burnout. The largest recruitment campaign in recent memory barely has officer numbers standing still.

“Forces need to focus on protecting their workforces, listening to officers on the front line and reducing any and all unnecessary demands, allowing officers to do the job they signed up to do whilst ensuring that they have the time to properly process and deal with trauma.”

To try to help officers who are struggling with mental health issues, a new 24-hour Mental Health Crisis Line on 0300 131 2789 has been launched by The National Police Wellbeing Service, Oscar Kilo. It is staffed by expert counsellors to support those working in policing who are experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts.

It is confidential and completely independent – no information will be shared with the force, Occupational Health departments or line management.

Ed added: “Today sees the launch of the National Police Wellbeing – Mental Health Crisis Line. This is a 24/7/365 service to provide immediate assistance to officers and staff who are experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts.

“On a personal note, I have lost colleagues to suicide and the rift it leaves behind cannot be understated. Your Federation are here to assist in any way they can alongside our organisation’s excellent Occupational Health provisions. Please reach out if you need help.

“The introduction of the crisis line will hopefully give colleagues another avenue to turn to for help in the darkest of times and I urge any of my colleagues regardless of their role if they are struggling to reach out and seek help.”