World Mental Health Day: ‘Look after yourself and each other’

8 October 2026

North Yorkshire Police Federation is encouraging officers to make their mental health a priority and to look out for colleagues who may be struggling.

Tony Barnes, branch secretary and equality and wellbeing lead, said World Mental Health Day was an opportunity to challenge the idea that talking about mental health is a sign of weakness.

He said: “Policing asks a huge amount of its people, physically and emotionally.

“Officers deal with situations that most people will never experience, so it’s important we recognise the impact that can have and don’t simply expect people to carry on regardless.”

Tony said looking after mental health should be seen as part of everyday wellbeing, rather than something that only matters when someone reaches crisis point.

 

North Yorkshire Police Federation secretary and equality and wellbeing lead Tony Barnes

 

He said: “We all have good days and bad days, and sometimes life can feel like it is piling things on top of us.

“The important thing is recognising when things are becoming difficult and doing something about it.

“That could be talking to a colleague, speaking to your Federation or using one of the support services available.”

According to the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) policing is now the profession with the highest rate of mental-health-related sickness.

Police Oracle reported that the number of UK police officers signed off work due to stress, depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was 17,752 in the financial year 2024-25.

Mental health

Tony said issues outside the job such as relationships, health, and financial worries can all have an impact on mental health and wellbeing.

He said it can affect people who may not immediately see themselves as struggling with their mental health.

“You don’t have to be at breaking point to ask for help,” Tony said.

“Sometimes a conversation at the right time can stop things from becoming more difficult further down the line.”

He also encouraged officers to keep an eye on their colleagues.

Talk to colleagues

“Know your colleagues and take the time to ask how they really are,” he said.

“It can open the door to a conversation that someone might otherwise have been reluctant to start.

“Mental health isn’t something we should only talk about once a year on World Mental Health Day.

“It’s about looking after yourself, looking after each other and knowing that it’s perfectly OK to ask for help when you need it.”

Support available to members includes:

Samaritans: 116 123

Oscar Kilo Mental Health Crisis Line (24/7): 0300 131 2789

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