Tips on mental wellbeing

16 April 2020

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) has joined up with the director of research at the charity Police Care UK to produce a video which offers officers practical advice on dealing with their mental health during the coronavirus pandemic.

Dr Jess Miller, a neuropsychologist, discusses the extraordinary challenges faced by officers during the COVID-19 outbreak with PFEW vice-chair Ché Donald.

Police Care UK helps serving and retired police officers, staff, volunteers and their families and Dr Miller shares her wealth of knowledge on the 20-minute video.

That includes expert advice to help front-line officers support their mental health while dealing with the difficult situations and feelings they are encountering.

Hertfordshire Police Federation chair Geoff Bardell says the video provides some very valuable and practical tips.

“Everyone is worried about the current situation we find ourselves in and police officers are in the front-line in dealing with the nation’s response,” says Geoff.

“It is crucial at times like these that our members know we are there for them and that we let them know we are doing everything we can to support them.

“Officers are likely to be dealing with more death-related incidents as a result of COVID-19 and repeated exposure to this part of their job can have a detrimental effect on their wellbeing.

“Front-line officers are facing up to a silent, invisible and deadly virus while carrying out their duties. This can create heightened anxiety and stress, especially at a time when they will be naturally worried about their own health and that of their family.

“That is why Dr Miller’s thoughts are so valuable because everybody can apply them to their own lives to try to ease the weight on their shoulders.”

Ché pointed out the difficulty officers faced in dealing with a crisis on a scale they had never experienced before.

He said: “Police officers operate in a pressure cooker environment and are exposed to all sorts of trauma from helping victims of domestic violence to road traffic collisions – the list is endless. That’s standard policing.

“But we are now in unprecedented times.

“We also watch the news every night and see the death toll which naturally brings on anxiety about the safety of their families. The thought of bringing the virus home to loved ones at the end of a shift is terrifying. These fears and anxieties are echoed by the public.”

Ché concluded: “It is crucial to remember you are not in this alone and these experiences and feelings are felt by all even though some may be better at hiding this.

“The Federation will continue to support members through this incredibly difficult period, making sure their voices are heard and ensuring they receive the right protection to keep themselves and the public safe.”

A recent study headed by Dr Miller revealed more than one in five police officers are currently suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

View the video.