Enhancing Wellness and Resiliency in Your Department

INSIGHTS FROM OUR CEO

Maintaining wellness is important, but to understand why, one must understand its link to health​. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being & not merely the absence of disease of infirmity.”​

Having “good health” is not just that an individual does not have a disease or an illness but rather considers their overall health. Taking care of your health can help you think clearly and react to urgent needs promptly, which is imperative for public safety​.

First responders’ stressors can have serious implications for overall health and wellness. In times of stress or uncertainty, they must take practical steps to prioritize their mental and physical wellness:

• Social connectedness – communicating with friends and family keeps your support system informed and strong. Positive relationships also contribute to lower blood pressure and provide a better immune system.​
• Physical – taking care of your body by eating right, exercising, and limiting caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco​.
• Financial – financial health is directly correlated with physical and emotional health. Studies have shown that those who reported high financial debt led them to have depression, anxiety, and stress. In addition to poor physical health.​
• Spiritual – exploring your purpose and meaning in life. 
• Quality sleep – is a problem for many first responders, leading to a lack of alertness, impaired memory, and a higher likelihood of car accidents. Make it a goal to sleep at least seven hours a day. “Making it up on my days off” will only further disrupt your long-term sleep cycle.​
• Mindfulness – taking short breaks to reset and recognize what you need to do to cope with your emotions. Activities can include time to yourself, practicing deep breathing, and participating in activities you enjoy.​
• Occupational – having an expressed reason for doing what you do daily is vital to overall resilience. Refocus your purpose to help avoid burnout (Why did I join this profession? How does my work make life better for others? How can I add more meaning to what I do every day?).

What can you do to support and enhance the resiliency of your employees? Practical Strategies and Programs to consider:

• Development and Sustainability of Peer Support Teams ​
• Annual Mental Wellness Appointments ​
• Trainings:​
  • Financial Planning  ​
  • Retirement Planning ​
  • Resiliency Training​
• Biofeedback Tools  ​
• Facility and Therapy Dog Programs​
• Regular Wellness Messaging ​
• Critical Incident Appointments ​
• Law Enforcement Family Support Groups

IACP Officer Safety and Wellness​

Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Programs: Eleven Case Studies

Elizabeth Morris, M.A.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Phone: 336-761-0764 ext. 1011

Email: elizabeth@fmrt.org