Firefighters fight mental health problems

Firefighters are particularly at risk of work-related stress and mental health problems because of the nature of their work. As a sector, there is increasing focus on the mental health and wellbeing of staff and TeamDoctor is delighted to be running online mental health and wellbeing training for Fire and Rescue service line managers throughout Dorset and Wiltshire. We help line managers to understand the importance of their role in relation to the mental health and wellbeing of their teams, identify the main causes stress, how to spot the signs in themselves and others and lots of practical information about improving the situation. Vicky Read, Health and Wellbeing Manager, has been delighted with the positive feedback from attendees.

Top tips from TeamDoctor on spotting signs of stress in colleagues

1. The first thing you will probably notice is a change in behaviour.
2. Is there a change in productivity? Perhaps someone who is usually a high performer starts to struggle with tasks they found easy before?
3. Is there a lack of concentration and a new inability to make decisions?

If any of these seem true for one of your team, talk to them. Ask how they are, and if they don’t tell you the first time, ask again. If you don’t know them very well, you may rather ask someone who does know them well to have that initial conversation.

The more we talk about stress and our mental health at work, the less stigma surrounds the subject and the happier we are to confront it – so that’s why you need to start the conversation!

For more information about TeamDoctor’s films, courses and other e-learning, please contact: info@teamdoctor.org