Looking after your mental health

16 April 2020

A new video has been released by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) to offer officers practical advice on mental wellbeing while they deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

The Federation has teamed up with Dr Jess Miller, the director of research at Police Care UK, the charity for serving and veteran police officers and staff, to provide the guidance.

Dr Miller, who is a neuropsychologist, talks to national Federation vice-chair Ché Donald for 20 minutes about the unprecedented challenges facing officers during the COVID-19 outbreak.

She offers expert advice for front-line officers about how they can support their mental health while dealing with some very difficult situations and feelings they are encountering.

Humberside Police Federation chair Pete Musgrave said the video contains some really useful information.

“During a national crisis like this, it is time for us as a Federation to let our members know that they are not alone and offer them as much help as we can,” says Pete.

“Officers are not robots. Like everyone else, they feel worried about the situation the country finds itself in. They want to protect the public but they also want to protect themselves and their families against a silent and invisible killer, which heightens anxiety.

“Front-line officers are being called out to deal with more death-related incidents and repeated exposure to these cases can have a serious effect on their mental health.

“That is why the new PFEW video can be so powerful because Dr Miller gives out very practical tips to help those who may find it hard to switch off from the images they see on a daily basis.”

Ché added: “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.”

He 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).

Watch the video.