Research reveals state of mental health

A national research project into the mental health and wellbeing of police and emergency service personnel has been released today in a collaboration between the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC and Beyond Blue.

More than 21,000 police, fire, ambulance and SES employees, volunteers and retired and former personnel took part in the Answering the call survey.

Respondents answered questions that explored their wellbeing and resilience, anxiety conditions, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidal thoughts. Analysis of the data reinforced the negative impacts of stigma and provided important insights about the benefits of a positive workplace culture.

Answering the call was commissioned and funded by Beyond Blue, in collaboration with the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC. The study was conducted by the University of Western Australia in partnership with Roy Morgan Research.

CEO of the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC Dr Richard Thornton said that the research enables police and emergency services to make a positive difference to the mental health of their people.

“Gathering the data required to make real changes is the first important step in making a difference to the mental health of our police and emergency services volunteers and staff,” Dr Thornton said.

“These results form a baseline that can be used to guide future research, and develop appropriate mental health strategies both nationally and by each individual agency.

“For the first time, we have research that shows what is being done well and where we can do much better, not just to support the current workforce but also to develop protective strategies for future employees and volunteers.

“This fundamental change in organisational behaviour is now possible because of this coordinated research effort across 33 agencies in all states and territories.”

The full Answering the call report on the survey findings and additional information can be downloaded at www.beyondblue.org.au/pesresearch

For media enquiries on the report contact:

Sandro Olivo 0488 500 487 / Sandro.olivo@beyondblue.org.au

For further information of the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC support please contact:

Nathan Maddock, 0439 377 080, nathan.maddock@bnhcrc.com.au

Read the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC Hazard Note.