World Mental Health Day: Fed secretary bravely opens up about depression

9 October 2024

North Yorkshire Police Federation secretary Helen Scholefield has bravely opened up about her depression in a powerful new video for World Mental Health Day.

Helen, who was diagnosed with depression 15 years ago, encouraged members to talk about their feelings and emotions to help reduce the stigma around mental ill-health.

She said: “There is still such a huge stigma, particularly in policing, about wanting to talk up and say that you are suffering with any sort of mental health problem.

“People are scared they are going to get treated differently.

WATCH HELEN'S VIDEO...

“The only way we are going to be able to look after each other is if we all keep talking about it and we empower people who are struggling to talk up.”

Helen described her own feelings of ‘inadequacy’ and of ‘letting everybody down’ following her depression diagnosis.

She said: “There were weeks when I couldn’t get out of bed because I didn’t want to face the world.

Friends

“I just wanted to sleep because everything just shuts off when you’re asleep.

“You don’t have to deal with the feelings of inadequacy, the feelings that you’re not good enough, that you’re letting everybody around you down and, ultimately, the feelings that it would be better if I wasn’t here.”

Helen said the support of her friends helped her get through it, as she encouraged officers to be there for colleagues if they need support.

She said: “Not everyone has good friends like that, so that’s why I’m so passionate about ending the stigma that’s associated with mental ill-health and getting everyone talking and sharing our stories.

“So many people do (suffer). Let’s help each other and be kind to each other.”

Mental health

Members can access resources through the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) #AskTwice campaign, which aims to develop a culture that positively addresses mental health and wellbeing in the police service.

Members are encouraged to ask how their colleagues are and, if they are not convinced by the answer, to ask twice.

The campaign brings together assets to offer support and guidance in areas such as bereavement, financial wellbeing, and suicide.

The online resource will grow over time as new information and advice is added to it.