What are counselling and trauma services
- Counselling for a range of domestic or work related problems - includes support on sick leave for physical and/or psychological health problems.
- Pro-active routine debriefing and support to individuals assigned to “high risk” roles e.g. DFCU, DVRI, FLO, PPU etc.
- Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) system or other post critical incident processes (CISM, ETC) following involvement in traumatic incidents.
- Psychological surveillance/defusing in the event of major critical incident call-out.
- Presentations and other forms of customised input on stress/mental health /trauma education, awareness and management.
How to access
This service is available to all serving officers and police staff, but be aware these services can differ from force to force.
Referrals can be made by:
- Self or line management referral on forces intranet - check local procedure
- Referral through members of the multi-disciplinary health, care and safety team, nurses, FMA, unions or Federation
- In emergency, e.g. traumatic or disturbing incidents, outside office hours, via force control room - check local procedure
Confidentiality
Counsellors are bound by their professional governing body’s Code of Ethics to contain all the information that is disclosed in absolute confidence, subject to these two exceptions:
- If an individual discloses criminal activity or dishonesty in breach of Police Regulations or terms and conditions of employment
- Where an individual is considered to be a serious threat to his/her own safety or the safety of others
Apart from those two highly unusual exceptions, counselling and trauma services provide completely confidential support.
Specific psychological impacts whilst under investigation
Below are some common psychological impacts:
Suspended under investigation
- Stuck, in limbo, life on hold, can't plan, no timescale, unpredictable, other life events
- Fears - loss of job, home, family, break up of relationships
- Uncertainty, worry, depression, shame, blame, frustration, anger, suicidal thoughts/plans, isolation, trauma, alone, lack of contact from colleagues and/or managers, can't discuss may jeopardise investigation, others' assumptions, perception, judgement
Person in work under investigation
- Constant uncertainty, anticipatory anxiety
- Difficult to focus, investigation always to forefront
- What do others know or think of me?
- Restricted role
- What ifs
- How to maintain 'normality'
How to recognise stress
There are lots of signs that someone is experiencing stress or burnout. Here are some key indicators:
- Overworking
- Withdrawn
- Tired
- Altered eating habits
- Struggling with solutions to problems
- Increased smoking, drinking
- Inflated levels of anxiety or low mood
- Changes in motivation and organisation levels
Stress and trauma level one
If you would like to know more about the incidents or situations that can cause anxiety, depression, burnout and traumatic stress in yourself and your colleagues take our online course: Stress and trauma level 1, available on College Learn.
Self care: five ways to mental wellbeing
1. Connect
2. Be active
3. Keep learning
4. Give
5. Take notice
Exercise is nature’s natural anti-depressant. Eat a balanced diet. Know your limits. Retain a sense of perspective and sense of humour. Build you own support network. Focus energies on what you can control or influence. Reach out for support - contact the counselling team for confidential support - know where they are if you need anything. Be your own care taker – its ok to put yourself first.
Another useful tool is to follow the ABC of selfcare
