World Mental Health Day: mental health issues can affect anyone

10 October 2025

Mental health issues can affect anyone, says Dyfed Powys Police Federation chair Delme Rees as he encouraged members to take time for themselves.

Today (10 October) marks World Mental Health Day and Delme is using the awareness event to highlight the issues facing officers.

He also used it to encourage members to prioritise their own psychological wellbeing and to support colleagues.

Delme said: “Your mental health matters just as much as your physical health, and issues can affect anyone.

“Policing is unlike any other job, and the pressures and demands faced by our members are increasing all the time.

Check in

“I understand that life is busy, at work and at home, but it is important that we take time for ourselves and check in our colleagues.

“Sometimes the smallest action can make the biggest difference.”

The most recent Dyfed Powys Police Federation Pay and Morale Survey highlights some of the issues facing members.

• 59 per cent of respondents said their personal morale was ‘low’ or ‘very low’

• 94 per cent said morale within the force was ‘low’ or ‘very low’

• Almost half (47 per cent0 said their job was ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ stressful

• Three-quarters (76 per cent) reported having experienced stress, low mood, anxiety or other wellbeing issues over the past 12 months

• And 19 per cent said they intended to resign from the police service within the next two years or ‘as soon as they can’. Morale (94 per cent) and the impact of the job on their mental health and wellbeing (85 per cent) were the primary reasons

Some 39 per cent of police officer sickness is attributed to mental health conditions.

Delme said: “We recognise that lots of things can impact members’ psychological health.

“It’s not only traumatic incidents, insufficient resources, or the workload, but things like health concerns, family issues, and money worries can all add up.

“It may also be that officers are happier to discuss their mental health than previously, which is really positive.”

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) has launched its Copped Enough campaign.

PFEW said policing was now the profession with the highest mental health-related sickness rates.

Suffer

Through the campaign, it is calling for better protection and mental health support so officers aren't forced to suffer in silence.

Dai Gaskins, the branch’s wellbeing lead, said early intervention was key to preventing issues escalating.

He said: “Where officers feel anxious or stressed, I would urge them to deal with it early.

“Ask for help either via line managers or through the Federation.”

Support services available:

• Mental Health Crisis Line (24/7) designed for police officers and staff: 0300 131 2789

• Samaritans (24/7): 116 123

• National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK (available 6pm to midnight every day): 0800 689 5652

• Mind’s Blue Light Infoline: 0300 303 5999