A FIREFIGHTER has bravely opened up about his personal private psychological well being struggles with the hope of encouraging others to hunt assist.
Ben Turner is the watch supervisor at Clacton Fire Station and is a traumatic danger administration volunteer for the Essex Fire and Rescue Service.
He typically gives important assist to his colleagues after they expertise distressing conditions, however Ben himself has not too long ago sought assist.
The firefighter reached out following a troublesome yr wherein his shut buddy and former colleague Aston Everett, 54, died after collapsing whereas on responsibility.
The loss of life of Aston, who was a part of the Clacton Green Watch, had a life-shattering impression on Ben, however he was additionally battling different points too.
“If it had been one factor, though it was horrific, I most likely would have labored by way of it,” added Ben.
“But with the buildup of the issues occurring in my life, I stated: ‘I’m struggling to manage, now I would like some assist.’
“I used to be provided a counsellor and I took it up. It has made such an enormous distinction.
“It has helped me to get again to the place I used to be earlier than and constructed up my resilience.”
Ben believes individuals ought to care for his or her psychological wellbeing in the identical manner they appear after their bodily well being.
He added: “If you chop your arm you don’t suppose twice about asking for a primary aider.
“With psychological well being, you may really feel terrible concerning the state of affairs you understand your self to be in however keep it up regardless – after I first converse to colleagues they are saying: ‘I’m all good’.
“But all people has a ‘bucket’ the place they put their worries and in case you are not doing issues to empty the bucket it spills over. It is straightforward to masks the actual fact you aren’t okay.
“Mental health isn’t any completely different to bodily health – the higher your psychological health is, the extra simply you’ll address what life throws at you.”
Ben has determined to share his story as a part of Mental Health Awareness Week to encourage individuals to speak about psychological wellbeing.
He additionally hopes it can give extra individuals the boldness to ask for assist and remind others to regulate their colleagues and family members.
He stated: “Everybody has had moments, weeks, months or longer the place they’re discovering life actually difficult – don’t be afraid to speak about it.
“I have no idea anyone who has made issues worse by saying: ‘I would like some assist right here.’
“Be conscious of adjustments in individuals’s tone or behaviour and ask them how they’re feeling. If they are saying they’re okay however don’t sound like they’re, simply verify once more.
“Don’t be afraid to ask. They may not wish to open up, however the reality you might have proven you care goes a good distance.”
If you’re struggling along with your psychological well being go to essex.gov.uk/mental-health/get-help-and-support.
