Family and friends supporting the mental health of paramedics
Do you love, live with, or support a paramedic experiencing mental health concerns or suicidal distress?
There are over 23,000 paramedics registered in Australia. Paramedics are regularly ranked as one of the most trusted professions in Australia. But they also experience high stress, exposure to trauma, long and shifting work hours and low rates of help-seeking. Ambulance service personnel are nearly twice as likely as the general population to experience mental health concerns.
What is Everymind doing to help?
Paramedics experience higher levels of psychological distress, trauma, PTSD and suicidal behaviour. We know that family and friends provide most of the practical and emotional support, so your support is key to improving the mental health and wellbeing of paramedics. While rewarding, this support role can impact your time, energy, finances and emotions. Our program aims to reduce these impacts and prevent mental health concerns and suicidal distress in family and friends.
This program is for family and friends who are:
- Aged 18 years or older
- Living in Australia
- Currently supporting a (currently or previously employed) paramedic experiencing mental health concerns or suicidal distress
- Comfortable communicating in English
- Comfortable using web-based programs.
Let's hear from Minds Together participants
“I was able to log on and use at any time from any device.”
“The relationships module was probably the most helpful to me. I found the advice/tips on how to manage conversations with the paramedic helpful, i.e. to listen without offering advice.”
“Easy to navigate. Sections so you could come back at any time.”
This online program was informed by Everymind’s national consultation with family and friends of paramedics experiencing mental health concerns or suicidal distress.
It is funded under a Veterans and First Responders Mental Health Grant Program, provided through a collaboration between Movember and The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. Our project partners include The University of Newcastle, NSW Ambulance and Fortem Australia.
