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The Queensland Police Service acknowledges that the way our employees deal with their work experiences can also impact on the wellbeing on the ones we love the most – our partners, family and friends.

Impact:

• Shift work and long hours can affect the routine of family life.
• Plans change at short notice and regular routines are upset.
• Some partners can feel isolated or like solo parents.
• Changes in your partner’s mood or behaviour, and difficulties managing emotions can leave you feeling that your concerns and your family’s needs are minimised.
• You might also feel like you’re ‘walking on eggshells’ to avoid triggering angry reactions from your partner.
  
  

Stress is contagious, whether we talk about it or not. Not speaking up potentially weakens the very relationships we are trying to protect. Our loved ones can serve as a valuable resource for support and an effective way to increase life satisfaction and wellbeing.

What can I do?

• Recognise the signs and symptoms of loved ones who may be struggling with their mental health
• Have conversations with loved ones about these struggles
• Help your loved one engage in practices that will keep them healthy
• Understand what resources are available to you and your family
  
  

Caring for yourself

As a partner, family member or close friend of a person struggling with poor mental health, it’s likely you’ll be affected by their experience.  You may experience sadness, frustration, worry or even hopelessness.

Before you are able to effectively care for others, you first must be able to care for yourself. You can do this by seeking advice and support for you first.

Connecting with your family member or partner

An excellent way to stay connected to your partner or family member is to set up some relaxed regular social time every week. Giving yourself permission during this time to not talk about stressful things or problems in the relationship is ideal. Focusing on simply enjoying the time together should be the goal. For further information on relationships, click here.

Did you know QPS provides a free and confidential external counselling service to partners and children of QPS employees?

Phone 1800 ASSIST (1800 277 478).