Front-Line Workers

Mental health issues are common in people who do front-line work because of the emotionally draining and heartbreaking situations, people, and circumstances they may face on a regular basis, such as working with:

• People who have alcohol or drug abuse issues
• People who are homeless or living rough
• People who are experiencing poverty
• Families and children who are involved with Children and Family Services
• Sex trade workers
• People with severe disabilities
• People who are seriously ill
• People experiencing grief
• People with mental health issues

If you provide front-line work in one of the following fields, you may be susceptible to mental health issues or psychological injuries:

• Frontline service providers in work settings commonly involving high intensity interactions (child welfare/protection enforcement, inner-city client support, etc.)
• Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, emergency room staff, etc.)
• Veterinarians
• Detectives and criminal investigators
• Special constables
• Enforcement officers
• Corrections officers
• Probation officers
• Therapists
• Crisis line workers

You may experience the symptoms of mental health issues common to people who work in your field, such as:

• PTSD
• Trauma
• Compassion fatigue
• Grief and Loss
• Depression
• Anxiety

When is it time to get help?

Symptoms of trauma, PTSD, compassion fatigue, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues will certainly affect your life and ability to carry on everyday tasks. Perhaps your friends and family say “you’re just not the same” or “I’m worried about you” – those are indicators that you may need some help. If you find that you cannot move past a traumatic incident, you feel “off”, or you just feel worn down by what you experience in your job or by life in general, it’s time to see a therapist.