‘It shows strength to ask for help’: branch chair opens up on his own mental health

10 October 2025

As we mark World Mental Health Day (Friday 10 October), the chair of Nottinghamshire Police Federation has spoken candidly about his own struggles with mental health.

Mark Lee has spoken candidly about his own mental health journey, including the impact of traumatic incidents, the personal losses he’s endured, and the professional challenges that have left lasting marks.

And he is using his own experiences to encourage members to also open up and recognise signs that they, too, might be struggling.

“Professionally, it's fair to say I've struggled with some very traumatic incidents which have definitely impacted my mental health,” explained Mark, who said there are a few incidents that will ‘never leave’ him.

 

 

One such incident involved a fatal road traffic collision involving a child of five, travelling with their father. 

The vehicle was swept off the road by strong winds, and - despite best efforts from Mark and his colleagues - the child sadly died.

“Paramedics were carrying out CPR on the child, and we were managing the father. We had to watch him, watch them, trying to save the life of his child.

“The whole incident was horrific. My daughter was around five at the time, so it really resonated with me.”

Anniversary

Mark kept in touch with the family for several years afterwards, taking flowers to the child’s family on the anniversary of their death.

He continued: “I couldn’t sleep properly for days afterwards. I went through the TRIM process. But the truth is, you never forget.”

Not long after, he attended another devastating scene, involving the death of a three-month-old baby.

Mark said: “The baby’s mum had rolled on top of her while sleeping. We had to manage the emotions of the parents at the worst moment of their lives while dealing with the death of their child. 

 

Branch chair Mark Lee

 

“If I dig deep, I can still hear the screams from loved ones, I can visualise everything around me, and even recall the smells from that particular day.”

Mark says that few people truly understand the emotional toll that policing takes.

“People have no idea what police officers go through. So many of our members experience these kinds of incidents - not once, but multiple times throughout their careers.”

Investigation

But trauma wasn’t the only challenge he faced. Mark also endured a workplace investigation, a lengthy, 18-month process that left him feeling vulnerable and isolated.

“Whether you’ve done something wrong or not, or whether it was intentional or reckless, you carry that air of vulnerability with you throughout the investigation. And for so many officers, that can extend to the rest of their careers,” said Mark.

“You are left feeling labelled, alone and left questioning your ability. This is when your support networks and close colleagues become invaluable in reasserting your values.”

Mark said that at times, it can feel like the duty of care the Force says it has for officers, ‘disappears’.

He added: “For me, it was a relatively minor investigation, but over a year later, but the investigation still had a big impact on me.”

Mark says that while he speaks openly about his feelings a work, he admits that he has built a wall up at home: “One of my biggest faults is that I don’t open up at home. I’ll talk at work, support colleagues - but at home, I’m a closed book. 

“You don’t want to burden your family. You wear a mask. You protect your kids - they don’t know why you hug them for just that little bit longer, or spend a few extra minutes with them before bed.”

Anxiety

On a personal level, the loss of his father, and ‘best friend’, seven years ago was a turning point that triggered anxiety: “I couldn’t sit still, even at night, I’d go walking at 2am. Eventually, I was diagnosed with anxiety. 

“I have more coping mechanisms now, but I still have my wobbles - and I recognise that in myself.”

His message for others this World Mental Health Day is clear, 'always ask for help'.

“Nobody knows you like you know yourself. You recognise the subtle changes — maybe it’s your gym routine, your hobbies, your eating habits. Learn to spot the signs and respond to them," he added.

“Remember, it shows strength to ask for help.

“Once we recognise that we all have different thresholds, and that we all manage life’s emotions differently - whether it’s trauma, grief or pressure - the better.

Crisis

“Just because we are all police officers, wearing the same uniform, doesn’t mean we handle life the same.”

Mark has stressed that his own experiences mean that his ‘door will always be open to those who feel they are in a similar position’.

“The whole Force should have access to my mobile phone number and I would urge anyone to call if they are struggling with their mental health - especially if they are experiencing a mental health crisis.

“Talking is such a powerful tool when used right. So please, get in touch, or use of of the many support agencies we have available to us.”

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. Support is available through the Federation or by calling:

• Mental Health Crisis Line (24/7) designed for police officers and staff: 0300 131 2789

• Samaritans (24/7): 116 123

• National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK (available 6pm to midnight every day): 0800 689 5652

• Mind’s Blue Light Infoline: 0300 303 5999