Rise in Police Officers Taking Time Off for Mental Ill Health

21 July 2025

In Essex, 340 police officers were signed off work last year due to stress, depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder, a Freedom of Information request has revealed.

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.

Essex Police Federation Chair Steve Martin said he was saddened to see the high numbers of officers being signed off from the workplace with significant mental health issues, and even more disappointed that the number keeps growing.

He said: “I would like to see more work being undertaken to understand the reasons so many officers are suffering, and we will continue to provide our members with the support they need. As with many things, prevention is better than cure, and we must look at the root cause of the problem.”

Paul Williams, Wellbeing Lead of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), said that the national figures were “very worrying”. He said: “Behind each mental health condition, you've got an individual who's going through incredible trauma, which has a significant impact not just on them, but on their family, marriage and career. It can be devastating.”

Paul said it was “a demonstration of the complexities of policing, a demonstration of the budget cuts over the past 15 years, and the lack of increase in pay for police officers. All this has contributed to an extreme rise in mental ill health within the police, and it's only going to keep rising if there's no intervention”.

Steve said: “My message to officers is: if you are struggling, speak to someone in the Federation or the force and they can help you access support. The new Mental Health Crisis Line also has trained counsellors who can help and are there for you.”

The newly launched Mental Health Crisis Line on 0300 131 2789 is open 24 hours a day 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.