Help seeking
Real experiences from emergency service workers
Recognising when you need support and knowing how to ask for help isn’t always easy. In this three-part video series, current and former emergency service workers share their lived experiences of recognising challenges, overcoming barriers and seeking support.
Through their stories, we explore common questions about mental health and help-seeking, encouraging early action and reminding others that they don’t have to navigate challenges alone.
Why is asking for help so hard?
Asking for help can feel difficult for many reasons, including stigma, cultural expectations and uncertainty.
Hear from current and former emergency service workers as they share their experiences of help-seeking, the barriers they’ve faced and why reaching out for support is a strength.
A note about subtitles: These videos already include subtitles. If you see a second set appearing, you can turn off YouTube’s automatic captions by clicking the CC button in the bottom-right corner of the video player.
What if I don’t realise I’m struggling?
Stress doesn’t always look like a crisis, and the signs can sometimes be difficult to recognise in ourselves.
Hear from current and former emergency service workers as they reflect on recognising when things weren’t quite right and the importance of noticing changes and acting early.
What does getting help actually look like?
Taking the first step towards support can feel uncertain, and finding the right help can look different for everyone.
Hear from current and former emergency service workers as they share their experiences of accessing support, navigating barriers and finding what works for them.
Looking for support?
You don’t have to wait until things feel overwhelming to reach out. Whether you’re experiencing challenges or simply want to strengthen your wellbeing, support is available.
- If life is in danger, call Triple Zero 000
- Lifeline (24/7) – call 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue – call 1300 22 4636
Fortem clinical support
Fortem offers free, confidential psychological support for eligible first responders and their families. Our experienced clinicians understand the unique challenges of emergency service life.
- Enquire now: Clinical intake – Fortem Australia
- Call 1300 33 95 94
This is not a crisis support service or helpline. If you need urgent help, please call 000 or talk to Lifeline on 13 11 14.
More ways to support your wellbeing
Looking after your mental health isn’t just about seeking clinical support. Building connections, learning practical strategies and making time for yourself can also play an important role.
Wellbeing activities
Fortem offers free in-person and virtual wellbeing activities, providing opportunities for first responders and their families to connect, try something new and strengthen their social support networks.
- Explore Fortem’s social connection and wellbeing activities: Wellbeing activities calendar – Fortem Australia
Wellbeing resources
Explore Fortem’s range of free, practical wellbeing resources, developed to build mental health literacy, strengthen resilience and support first responders and their families through different stages of life.
- Explore Fortem’s wellbeing resources: Wellbeing resources – Fortem Australia
- Peak Fortem, designed to equip Australian first responders with information and practical tools to promote mental fitness, increase performance and improve wellbeing: Peak Fortem: Mental Fitness: Home
This video series was created by Fortem Australia in collaboration with Gallipoli Medical Research, featuring the lived experiences of current and former emergency service workers.