Supporting those you work with for their mental health

Public Safety Personnel (PSP) often encounter extremely high levels of job-related stress, which can increase their risk of developing mental health conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Many PSP feel isolated when dealing with mental health challenges, and concerns about stigma may discourage them from seeking help. However, social support plays a vital role in shielding PSP from the damaging effects of stress. Colleagues are frequently the first to recognize signs of poor mental health, and due to their shared experiences, PSP may feel more comfortable confiding in a peer.

Preparing for Your First Appointment

Meeting a mental health professional for the first time can feel overwhelming, with questions and paperwork often adding to the stress. To help you feel more prepared, follow these three key steps:

1. Write down your questions or concerns ahead of time and bring them with you. It’s also a good idea to have something to take notes during the session in case new questions arise.

2. Arrive a few minutes early to allow time for any intake forms you may need to fill out.

3. Be ready to discuss what you're experiencing. Your mental health professional is there to understand your situation and provide support. They’ll usually let you set the pace and guide you through the first session.

These steps can help make your initial meeting more comfortable and productive.

Choosing the Right Mental Health Professional

Finding a mental health professional can be stressful, especially when you're in need of help quickly. However, it’s important to take the time to find someone who is the right fit for you. Below are key approaches and questions to consider when selecting a professional:

• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

  
  

  CPT helps individuals exposed to psychological trauma by teaching them how to challenge and modify distressing thoughts, such as self-blame, to promote healing and growth.

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

  
  

  EMDR focuses on processing emotions and symptoms related to traumatic events. This therapy involves rhythmic side-to-side eye movements while recalling the event, which can reduce the intensity of emotionally charged memories.

Before booking an appointment, consider asking the following questions to ensure the therapist is a good match for your needs:

1. Is the mental health professional registered and licensed?

2. Are they available for appointments within your preferred timeframe? (Specify your availability, such as evenings, weekends, or how soon you need to be seen).

3. What do they recommend you do to prepare for your first session?

4. Have they worked with public safety personnel before? Can they share their experience in helping people like you?

Finding the right therapist may take some time, and it’s okay if it takes one or two attempts to find the right fit. These questions can serve as a helpful starting point for your search.