Police officers learn self-help skills in stressful situations

Law enforcement officers participated in a psychoeducational session on “Distress: Self-Help,” organised by specialists from the Zhytomyr regional branch of the Ukrainian Red Cross. The event took place at the Psychosocial Support Centre in Zhytomyr.

Attendees included human rights inspectors from the Zhytomyr district administration and employees of the temporary detention centres of the Zhytomyr regional police. During the session, they learned about the nature of stress, its impact on both the physical and emotional state of a person, as well as effective self-regulation techniques.

Ukrainian Red Cross specialists informed the police officers about distress — a condition in which a person loses the ability to adapt to crisis situations and requires external support.

The practical part of the session focused on methods for stabilising the psycho-emotional state. Participants practised stress management skills and learned how to help not only themselves but also others in difficult situations. They also received information about the Centre’s services and how to seek support.

“The mental health of police officers is the foundation of their resilience. Our task is to create conditions in which they can acquire the high-quality skills necessary to cope with emotional stress,” said Kateryna Hrabchuk, Senior Inspector of the Department of the Main Inspection and Human Rights of the National Police of Ukraine.

Such meetings are crucial for law enforcement officers, as their daily work involves a high level of psychological stress. The ability to manage emotions and overcome stress helps not only to avoid professional burnout but also to perform their duties more effectively.