Mental Illness among Male Emergency Workers In Australia

   

Added on  2019-10-31

10 Pages2770 Words141 Views
Mental Illness among Male Emergency Workers In AustraliaIntroductionHealth is a state of being free from any illness or pain. A person’s wellbeing depends on a number of factors such as lifestyle, economic, social and environmental factors. In a broader perspective, health can be categorized into three major areas: Physical, Social and Mental health. As per WHO newsletter (Sep’17), Good mental health is associated with mental and psychological comfort. If a person is mentally healthy, he can manage daily chores of life and handle day-to-day work stress very effectively. Itcomprises one’s emotional well-being, behaviour, positive thoughts, and emotions. Stress, trauma, anxiety, unhealthy working condition, etc. are few elements that may affect one’s mental health (Kennedy, 2017). In this research programme, the study is being done on the mental illness among male emergency workers in Australia such as firefighters, policemen, rescue and ambulance officers, etc. They are the major fatalities of psychological disorders due to the recurrent exposure to traumatic conditions. Many sociological traits may be the reasons for mental illness among emergency workers such as gender, race, ethnicity, social class or lifestyle, but stress has been considered as the major cause of mental illness. Emergency workers are the important part of the Australian economy. They play a vital role in society. They provide emergency assistance and ensure the safety of citizens. They may be considered as one of the most appreciated occupational class (Kennedy, 2017). The customary issue of depression and anxiety is noticed in this class.
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The major cause of mental illness among this class is noticed to be trauma that they face daily, however other factors like work culture, demographics, and regime are also responsible for the illness. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is diagnosed in almost 10% of male emergency workers (Kennedy, 2017). When men suffer from stress disorders or depression, they exhibit abnormal behaviour that needs to be noticed and examined as per symptoms mentioned under guidelines for mental illness by WHO (Robaczewska and Didangelou, 2016). Various steps are being taken by health organizations to deal with this matter. These will be discussed in this research paper along with various prevention and treatment measures. Causes of Mental IllnessStressful Work cultureWorking helps keep our mind fresh and active however working in the stressful environment may result in mental illness. Most of the emergency workers face stressful situations at work. Being in the male dominating environment, maximum emergency services are provided by male workers. Work strain may contribute to mental health issues or may worsen an existing disorder. PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) can be explained as an acute mental illness that occurs due to prolonged or repeated revelation to the strained setting. Repeat shifts increase the riskof being affected due to lack of sleep and rest (Wang et al., 2014). To avoid such situation, mental health promotion should be done periodically at all workplaces. Australian guidelines for treatment of acute stress recommended by National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) should be followed firmly. The personnel suffering from PTSD should be treated efficiently (Kennedy, 2017). During the
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recovery period, exposure to strain may widen the illness and complicate the issue. Guidance should be provided at every step during the process. A number of treatment options including both psychological and pharmacological are effective in improving such condition. Other disorders noticed among male emergency workers are alcohol misuse and depression. More than 40% of fire fighters are engaged in precarious drinking habits (Wang et al., 2014). Employment security norms should be rigidly placed to avoid any accident that may leave distress on one’s mind.Social factorsSocial support is a vibrant factor that promotes mental health. Experiences with family and friends leave a noticeable impact on mental well-being. Social and culturalfactors affect the human mind to a great extent. Positive events influence one’s mind and fill him with affirmative energy. Similarly, negative life events may result in depression and anxiety. A prolonged acquaintance at stressful relationships ends in mental disorders. Financial defeat, loss of near and dear ones, a wrong relationship or bad life partner may lead to a stubborn reaction. Fear, anger, guilt, trauma reminders are few symptoms of illness. The further impact of illness decreases in the ability to play the role of an emergency service provider being highly aggressive and unstable. Mental disorder demands suitable treatment. Families should be involved in the treatment procedures to avoid re-occurrence of such issues. Discrimination and BullyingFew male emergency workers join the teams to meet their daily requirements. Social discrimination at workplace restricts one to ask for help at the hour of need and stop him from being the participating team member. It may happen due to any particular
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