Mental health needs to be a priority, says chair

6 November 2024

Some of you might be aware that earlier this year, my dad, who was seriously ill, sadly died. To say this was the icing on the cake in terms of my mental health would be an understatement. I was grieving but also had major burnout. For that reason, I made the difficult but necessary decision to step away from my duties to prioritise my mental health.

It wasn’t an easy choice. As leaders, we’re conditioned to believe that our own wellbeing should take a back seat. But the truth is, no one can - or should - pour from an empty cup.

Branch chair Darren Harris.

While we’re all getting better at talking about mental health, I still don’t feel it’s taken quite as seriously as physical ailments. As police officers, we all have a tendency to put on our uniforms and feel protected from life’s realities. Which is why it’s when you’re least expecting it, when you’re caught off-guard, that your mental health is triggered. When you’re spending time with family and friends - that’s when the little things trip you up. Well, they certainly tripped me up.

However, I reached a point where the exhaustion, stress, and emotional toll were no longer things I could brush aside. I knew that I wasn’t performing at my best, and more importantly, I wasn’t able to be the person or leader I wanted to be for Suffolk Police Federation.

I couldn’t talk openly and publicly about this before, but I can now. While the past two months have allowed me to recharge, they’ve also shaped my perspective on leadership. Leadership comes with vulnerability and authenticity. In fact, one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. I want you all to hear that.

Counselling

During my time away, I’ve been focussing on healing - both mentally and emotionally. I’ve accessed counselling via the Force, which has proven invaluable. And, of course, support from loved ones while finding time for self-care has been crucial. My mental health journey isn’t over, but I can confidently say that it’s on the right track.

I’ve returned to work with a new attitude, a revitalised energy and a fresh perspective. I’m learning how to manage my boundaries. I’ve had to learn to give myself permission to rest, reflect and recover. And I want to give you, our members, permission and encouragement to do the same.

Unfortunately, there is still significant stigma around mental health, especially those in policing. We’re expected to be super-humans when, in fact, we are all just humans. We all have our limits. We need to recognise our triggers, look out for early warning signs, speak out early and remember that, like with physical ailments - such as a broken leg - while the break can mend, the recovery back to full strength can take a long time. When it comes to mental health, recovery takes time and in a journey.

It’s time we normalise conversations around mental health. We need to create environments where people feel safe to speak up when they’re struggling so they don’t reach burnout. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and taking the time to nurture our wellbeing should be a priority.

Patience

I am deeply grateful for the support I received from my colleagues, especially those in the Federation: our branch secretary, Ben Hudson, deputy chair Matt Paisley and of course, Mish Collins. It’s been your understanding, patience and the seamless ability to step into my shoes during my absence that has allowed me to take the time I needed.

As I resume my responsibilities, I am committed to being the best chair I can be, as I look forward to representing our members and prioritising their best interests.

For now, I’d like to reinforce the importance of looking out for one another. And if you ever find yourself in need of support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Federation. We are all in this together.

I’m excited to be back, and I’m ready to move forward.