Training Module on the Right to Mental Health for the Security Sector They monitor for threats and illegal activities, control access to areas, enforce laws and protect people and property. Military and police officers in high-level or special security situations that have dangerous duties or higher expectations are often exposed to physical as well as psychological stress. Whether dealing with multiple victims of a mass terror attack or single individuals struggling with the various and sundry outrages committed against them, doing crime victim counseling is a tough, demanding work that can take an exhausting toll on members of the security sector. Their occupational roles can be a dangerous profession, especially when caseloads include severely disturbed patients, or those with disordered, vindictive, and/or potentially violent peers or family members. The military and police authorities may be threatened, sometimes, stalked and harassed, and occasionally, assaulted and injured. There is also a possibility that they may have been killed during their tour of duty. Prevention and Treatment Although the term “burnout” suggests it may be a permanent condition, it is reversible. An individual who is feeling burned out may need to make some changes to their work environment. USING SELF-HELP TECHNIQUES TO DEAL WITH STRESS Tip 1: Identify the sources of stress in your life. Stress management starts with identifying the sources of stress. • To identify your true sources of stress, look closely at your habits, attitude, and excuses: o Do you explain away stress as temporary (“I just have a million things going on right now?”) even though you cannot remember the last time you took a breather? o Do you define stress as an integral part of your work or home life (“Things are always crazy around here”) or as a part of your personality (“I have a lot of nervous energy, that’s all”)? o Do you blame your stress on other people or outside events, or view it as entirely normal? • Start a Stress Journal A stress journal can help you identify the regular stressors in your life and the way you deal with them. Each time you feel stressed, keep track of it in your journal. As you keep a daily log, you will begin to see the patterns and common themes. Write down: o What caused your stress (make a guess if you are unsure) o How you felt, both physically and emotionally o How you acted in response o What you did to make yourself feel better 15