1 in 4 emergency services workers in Yorkshire contemplate suicide
1 in 4 emergency services workers in Yorkshire have thought about ending their lives due to work-related stress
1 in 4 emergency services workers in Yorkshire have thought about ending their lives due to work-related stress.
That's according to MIND today.
The charity say over 90% of police, fire and ambulance staff have experienced a mental health problem - such as depression or anxiety - resulting in nearly two thirds of workers contemplating leaving their role.
Work-related stress and poor mental health are largely to blame, according to the charity.
Faye McGuinness is project manager of the Blue Light project, which supports workers experiencing suicidal thoughts and told Hallam: “It’s shocking that our Blue Light workers are experiencing such high levels of mental health problems, low mood and stress, with one in four thinking about leaving the emergency services, and even contemplating suicide, as a result.
"The challenging nature of the job - with its unique pressures - can put staff and volunteers at greater risk of developing a mental health problem.
"That’s why it’s so important support is made available - to ensure dedicated workers are at their best and ready to carry out these incredibly difficult and life-saving roles we often take for granted. “Lots of our respondents said they feel they would be treated differently if they had a mental health problem, and wouldn’t feel comfortable coming forward if they were struggling with their mental health.
"Thankfully, there is a great deal of good practice happening at an organisational level across the country, as a result of activity being delivered via Mind’s Blue Light Programme, for example our Blue Light champions who have so bravely shared their own experiences and encouraged others to follow suit. “In the last year, we’ve made some great strides in raising awareness, tackling stigma and encouraging working environments where people feel able to talk about mental health.
"But it’s not possible to change working cultures overnight. We need to see an ongoing commitment to prioritising the emotional wellbeing of emergency services workers to enable them to continue doing their vital work serving our community.
"We’re trying to secure more Government funding to support the emotional wellbeing of our Blue Light staff and volunteers, particularly given the extremely and consistently high levels of stress, anxiety and poor mood reported by emergency services workers.”