Brighton Beach staff educated on signs of stress at wellness day
"It is imperative that members are aware of the signs and symptoms of stress and how to address these indicators."
POLICE at the Brighton Beach branch held an internal project focusing on the wellness of their staff. A stress management brochure was researched, developed and created by the station’s media officer, Captain Louise le Roux.
“Our police officers are at risk of contracting the Coronavirus when executing their duties during interaction with suspects, complainants or witnesses. Covid-19 has therefore become a stressor for law enforcement officers during these times.”
“It is imperative that members are aware of the signs and symptoms of stress and how to address these indicators. Chronic stress can wear down the body’s natural defences, leading to a variety of physical symptoms, including dizziness or a general feeling of ‘being out of it’, general aches and pains, grinding teeth and a clenched jaw,” said Captain Le Roux.
She added that other indicators include indigestion or acid reflux symptoms, an increase or loss of appetite, muscle tension in neck, face or shoulders, problems sleeping, a racing heart, cold and sweaty palms, exhaustion, trembling, headaches and sexual difficulties.
The brochure was distributed to 100 members and explained what stress is, the signs and symptoms of it, how it affects wellness, ways to ease stress and how to manage work stress.
“The SAPS also provides an employee health and wellness support service, which includes 24-hour access to physiological services, social workers and spiritual services. The members were also provided with the details of these officials and their contact information.”
“The objective of this brochure was to sensitise members on aspects relating to identifying stress signs or symptoms and encourage them to seek assistance in dealing with their stress before it overwhelms them and negatively impacts on their wellness permanently,” she added.
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