Relieving PSAP Stress Through Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes

Written by KOVA Corp

It’s a well-documented fact that dispatchers at 911 call centers can experience much the same negative mental health effects of helping others during emergencies as first responders like EMTs and police officers do. They are just as susceptible to post-traumatic stress disorder if their need for psychological support is not met.

Fortunately there are steps that public safety answering point dispatchers can take to boost their overall emotional health and relieve some of the stress inherent in their jobs. Making therapeutic lifestyle changes means time spent helping victims of emergencies is balanced with time spent in positive, calming activities, thereby helping to reduce instances of PTSD and other ill effects.

Get More Exercise

One of the most beneficial lifestyle changes a PSAP agent can make is to increase the amount of regular exercise he or she gets. Not only does exercise relieve physical tension but it also boosts “feel-good” chemicals in the brain. Just as importantly, exercise and its physical results increase self-esteem, and can give people a sense of personal control. Having a sense of control is important in the face of all that a 911 dispatcher can’t control in their jobs. Even one 30-minute walk per day can make a difference in overall happiness.

Spend Time Outdoors

There’s just something about getting outside into nature, and soaking up the sunshine and fresh air that can boost anyone’s spirits. Research has shown that time spent outdoors in nature truly does have a calming effect on people, increasing their overall sense of well-being and even improving cognitive functions. For PSAP agents, riding a bike, going fishing, or even gardening in the backyard can all provide much-needed time letting nature work its magic. And when a dispatcher spends the entirety of their working day indoors, a little visit with Mother Nature couldn’t hurt.

Volunteer in the Community

Sometimes 911 dispatchers can begin to feel that nothing they do makes a real difference; the emergencies keep coming, no matter how many people are helped. Spending some time regularly volunteering in their community is a great way for them to feel that they are making a difference because giving them back some sense of control. They can also see changes being made the more they volunteer and with each project they can complete. As a dispatcher they don’t always know how the calls end, which can cause feelings of distress or uneasiness. As an added bonus, they’ll reap the benefits of the “helper’s high” experienced when doing good for others.

Seek Out Social Support

It’s important that public safety answering point agents don’t think they have to deal with the psychological effects of traumatic calls on their own. Feeling that they can share their experiences and emotions with others is a vital part of strong, resilient emotional health. 911 dispatchers should be encouraged to talk with other dispatchers, family members, and friends about the stresses of their job, and work to strengthen these social relationships whenever possible. The stronger a person’s support network is, the better they will be able to handle trauma.

Consider Meditation

There are a handful of benefits to meditation, or an induced mode of consciousness. These benefits include stress reduction, an increase in self-awareness, increased happiness, and improved concentration. Meditation can easily be done at home without any formal training; a quick search online pulls up helpful articles and videos that can teach one how to meditate. Taking time to meditate can improve an individual’s wellbeing overall. When the time comes to help someone in need, a dispatcher will have the prepared mindset to handle the situation.

Have Fun

Finally, nothing can help relieve stress quite like doing something you enjoy, just for the fun of it. Whether it’s a night out on the town, doing a fun activity with the kids, or taking an interesting new class, 911 call center agents should be encouraged to go out, let loose, and have fun doing the things they love. Looking forward to fun can act as a shield against too much negativity – and the positive feelings that will result will help them through the rough patches in their workdays.

No matter what activities a dispatcher enjoys, taking time for such activities should be encouraged by the call center. Not only will it improve overall health and happiness but work performance too!

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