Demystifying the mental health of emergency workers

“The series is targeted at any health provider who might come across first responders in their clinical practice – psychologists, GPs, psychiatrists, social workers, occupational therapists and community health staff,” says host, Mark Creamer, Professorial Fellow at the University of Melbourne’s Department of Psychiatry.

Professor Creamer has worked in the field of mental health response to trauma since the mid-1980s.

“We’ve learnt so much from research and from those who have experienced issues firsthand, and we’ve become better at recognising and treating the range of problems that some people might experience after disaster and trauma,” says Professor Creamer.

The first podcast looks at the problems first responders might experience and how they can affect the worker and their family. The second episode looks at models of care.

“We start in the first episode with what first responders can do to help themselves and their colleagues. Then, in the second episode, we look at workplace programs such as peer support and EAP and the vital role played by GPs,” says Professor Creamer.

The third episode looks at conditions like PTSD, depression and substance abuse and how they may be treated. The final episode features stories from first responders and their partners.

“The podcasts aren’t just about the serious end of diagnosable psychiatric conditions. Even relatively low-level stress in the workplace can affect relationships with family and friends and the person’s ability to perform their roles in and outside work,” says Professor Creamer.

“I hope health practitioners gain a better understanding of the kinds of problems first responders might experience, how to recognise them, and what to do to help the person and their loved ones. Clinicians are sometimes concerned about opening a Pandora’s Box but health providers can do a great deal to intervene early and facilitate recovery.”