PHOENIX, Sept. 11, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- University of
Phoenix today announced findings
from their third annual first responders' survey regarding
perceptions about mental health. The online survey conducted by The
Harris Poll on behalf of the University finds that first responders
continue to believe mental health is as important as physical
health (87 percent). However, despite a societal focus on mental
health, first responders still face perception barriers in the
workplace that could prevent them from seeking professional
counseling.
According to the University of
Phoenix online survey, more than half of first responders
(57 percent) feel that there would be repercussions on the job for
seeking professional counseling. This represents a 10 percent
increase over research conducted in 2018, where 47 percent felt
there were repercussions. Perhaps more concerning is that 70
percent of first responders believe those who seek counseling will
get better, compared to the 84 percent who believed counseling
helped in 2018.
"Despite efforts in the media and the mental health field to
normalize mental wellness, the survey results show there is still
much work to be done to support first responders, especially in the
workplace," said Samantha Dutton,
Ph.D., LCSW, program director for University
of Phoenix Social Work. "Most of us realize how essential
our first responders are in protecting our communities. We must
also appreciate how their work on the frontlines of traumatic
situations can take a toll on their mental health and wellbeing. On
the job and in the mental health field, we need to provide a safe
space where first responders can discuss mental health
confidentially and without judgment or repercussions."
The survey suggests that many first responders do not feel that
work is a safe place to discuss mental health. Among the 57 percent
who feel there are repercussions for seeking counseling, 48 percent
feel they would receive different treatment from supervisors and 35
percent think they would be perceived as weak by
colleagues/peers.
Some who felt there were repercussions for seeking professional
help cited career-limiting consequences. Among the top job
repercussions perceived by first responders, 46 percent cited a
change in job assignment and 37 percent believe they would be
passed over for a promotion. Some of the repercussions cited were
more dire, with 23 percent responding they may be demoted and 17
percent believing they could be fired.
"Whether on the job repercussions are perception or reality, we
must ensure first responders can seek help without fear of
jeopardizing their livelihood," said Dutton. "That starts with
supervisors having open and honest conversations about mental
wellness and building a culture where it is okay to not be okay.
One of the statistics that remained consistent in our survey is
that first responders are encouraged to seek counseling when others
share their experience."
The survey found that first responders may be more open to
getting help if those around them are willing to discuss mental
health. If a leader in their organization spoke about their own
experience, 71 percent say they would be encouraged to seek
professional counseling. Peers have an even greater influence, with
83 percent of first responders saying if a close colleague, friend
or family member spoke up, they would be encouraged to seek help
for themselves.
Still, some first responders may not know where to go for help
or feel they lack the financial means to seek professional help.
Among those who never sought professional counseling, 21 percent
cited not being able to afford it while 19 percent said they didn't
know where to go.
University of Phoenix provides
mental health resources to students, alumni and the community
including first responders. The University has an alliance with
Give an Hour, a national non-profit that provides free,
confidential mental health care and support to first responders,
service members, veterans, and their families as well as other
at-risk populations. Give an Hour harnesses the generosity of more
than 7,000 mental health professionals who volunteer their time and
expertise. University of Phoenix also
operates six counseling centers in five states (Ariz., Calif.,
Colo., Nev., and Utah) that offer
free services to anyone in the community, including first
responders.
"First responders are often seen as heroes to their community,
and rightly so, as they put their lives on the line serving others.
The label hero comes with its own set of pressures as heroes never
complain or show weakness," said Dutton. "We must ensure our first
responders know it is not a sign of weakness to get help. That
means all of us must continue to push the conversation to normalize
mental health for all."
To learn more about Give an Hour, visit
www.giveanhour.org. For more information on the counseling
center, or to set up an appointment, visit
https://www.phoenix.edu/students/counseling-skills-centers.html.
Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online
within the United States by The
Harris Poll on behalf of University of
Phoenix from August 16 – 29,
2019 among 1,294 U.S. adults aged 18 and older, of whom 1,036 are
U.S. military (105 active duty and 931 non-active duty) and 258 are
first responders (police, firefighters, nurses, paramedics/EMTs).
Figures were weighted where necessary by age, sex,
race/ethnicity, region, income, education, household size, and
marital status to bring them into line with their actual
proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was also
used to adjust respondents' propensity to be online. For complete
survey methodology, please contact Melany
Stroupe.
About University of Phoenix®
University of Phoenix is innovating to help working
adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly
changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses,
and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue
career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives.
University of Phoenix serves a diverse
student population, offering associate, bachelor's, master's and
doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across
the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more
information, visit phoenix.edu.
View original content to download
multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/university-of-phoenix-survey-finds-more-than-half-of-first-responders-feel-there-are-job-repercussions-for-seeking-professional-mental-health-counseling-300915669.html
SOURCE University of Phoenix