Reclaim your wellbeing
On this page
- Anxiety, depression and mental unrest
- Warning signs, risks and causes
- Prevention and management
- How Emergency Services Health can help
Research shows multiple factors in emergency service work impact mental wellbeing – with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Your job demands you to protect others, but it's time to prioritise your mental health.
Anxiety, depression and mental unrest
It’s normal to experience anxiety from time to time, especially during stressful periods.
However, there’s a difference between situational anxiety that’s brought on by a specific event versus generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) which is constant and chronic.
GAD is the excessive, uncontrollable worry about everyday situations, which can lead to depression. The two conditions are often connected.
While some people are inclined to worry more than others, stressful events are the main cause of anxiety.
For emergency service workers, the stress isn’t just about the work, it’s about life and death.
Warning signs, risks and causes
You might experience:
- Overwhelm, avoidance and the inability to make decisions
- Feelings of hopelessness
- A lack of interest in activities you usually enjoy
- Worst-case-scenario thinking and rumination
- Like you’re in danger and something ‘bad’ is about to happen
- Physical symptoms such as panic attacks, racing heart, disassociation, insomnia, tingling, trembling etc.
Anxiety shows up differently for everyone. It can be caused by a multitude of factors, both external and internal, such as:
- Experiencing abuse of any kind
- Exposure to ongoing stressful situations
- Life-threatening events
- Physical issues such as chronic ailments
- A family history of mental health issues.
As an emergency service worker, there’s greater exposure to stress, abuse, life-threatening events, injuries, and compounding effect of seeing people in their worst moments.
It’s your job to deal with the negative, traumatic situations often caused by people who need the most help – and impacting those most innocent.
Prevention and management
When you experience a symptom, use one of the tools that work for you and remember that most people benefit from using a combination.
There are plenty of tools available to you, including:
- Confiding in your spouse, a family member or friend
- Talking to a psychologist
- Journaling every day to get your thoughts out and on paper
- Practicing meditation and presence of mind
- Going for a walk
- Doing something you love
- Reading a book on self-development
- Focusing on the important health pillars – nutrition, exercise and sleep.
Find a blend of lifestyle choices and professional health support to help you process what you experience on the job, while managing your mental health.
Join Emergency Services Health to support good mental health
As an Emergency Services Health member, you're not just covered for emergencies—you can proactively support your mental and physical wellbeing.
Here are some ways our health insurance can help you stay on top of your health.
See a psychologist or counsellor regularly
This will help you ‘empty your bucket’ of stress and past trauma from your career.
You can also work through any negative emotions about family decisions, such as those involving your children, elderly parents, or relationships.
Chiropractic and remedial support
Consider chiropractic support and remedial massage therapy to address the aches and pains from your work. This will help your body stay strong and release stored tension.
Exercise physiology
Visit an exercise physiologist to create a custom workout plan that keeps you on track.
This approach can empower you towards greater independence and self-management of personal health and wellbeing.
Diet
Book a dietitian appointment to support lifestyle change using individualised nutrition advice and counselling.
This can include but not limited to cooking groups, label reading, food budgeting, meal planning, and using visual aids and demonstrations (such as food or meal portions).
*All benefits may be subject to Waiting Periods, Limits and other conditions. Rollover applies once you’ve completed your first 12 months membership (2 years for Major Dental). Providers must be recognised by us. Review the cover tables on the Combined, Hospital and Extras pages, and your State Premium and Benefit Guide or contact us for more information.