In the 2024/25 reporting period alone, 54 police officials took their own lives, bringing the total to more than 300 police suicides in just seven years. These numbers tell a story of burnout, trauma, and a lack of support that extends beyond the police force.

The crisis extends far beyond the police force. Across the country, paramedics, emergency nurses, doctors, and firefighters are also struggling under the immense pressures of their jobs.

These first responders face depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and burnout at rates significantly higher than the general population. This is a consequence of chronic exposure to trauma, long working hours, and limited mental health support within already overburdened public services.

“There are several barriers that deter first responders from getting the help they need,” said South African Society of Psychiatrists spokesperson and psychiatrist Dr Lerato Masenya. 

“There is stigma, there are resource deficiencies, and there are concerns around getting confidential support.”

Chronic trauma exposure

“Stigma is something that we are familiar with in the mental health community. However, it is magnified in first responders, because their line of work expects that they are able to fix everything, fix everyone, and so they should be able to fix themselves.

“The mental health toll on first responders is far more severe than what we see in the general population. They experience depression, anxiety, PTSD, and burnout at rates that are significantly higher than the national average.

“So, the high levels of mental distress that we are seeing in our country are primarily driven by chronic exposure to trauma, which, combined with systemic deficiencies in resources and support.”

National police commissioner Gen. Fannie Masemola said the organisation continued to prioritise the mental health and well-being of its members. Its in-house employee health and wellness is available 24/7, 365 days a year to all police officers as well as for their family members.

He encouraged all police members to prioritise their health and mental well-being. “They must also undergo health screenings and check-ups regularly, as well as attend debriefing sessions.

“This is vital for early detection of potential health issues, allowing for timely intervention and avoiding complications by managing conditions more effectively, resulting in better overall health and well-being.

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OFM News/Zenande Mpame mvh