Property and evidence technicians are vital in law enforcement agencies everywhere. Your role can be demanding, stressful, and intense which can take a toll on your mental health. As we all know, mental health is an important part of overhall health, and we often forget to take the steps to maintain good mental health. Here are a few tips to help you maintain good mental health:
• Practice Self Care - Make healthier food and drink choices, try and get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and remember to schedule medical exams and check-ups as needed.
• Take Breaks - Your hours are long and you work with the results of traumatic events. It's important to take breaks throughout your day, even when you're not overwhelmed. This helps reduce stress and prevent burn-out.
• Seek Support - Utilize your department or overarching agencies resources. Many cities, counties, and government organizations have employee assistance programs (EAPs) that offer confidential counseling services. Other agencies inlcude the benefit of peer support groups so, you can talk to others who have been through similar situations without judgement.
• Engage in Hobbies - You must make time for you. Engaging in hobbies outside of work can reduce stress and anxiety and help prevent burn-out. While it may be difficult to "switch" your brain from work-mode to home-mode, engaging in activities and items that are of interest to you that aren't work related is important for your overall wellbeing.
Remember, taking care of your mental health is important for your overall health. By practicing self-care, taking breaks, seeking support, and engaging in hobbies, property and evidence technicians can maintain good mental health and combat stress, anxiety, and burn-out.