Ahead of World Mental Health Day on Friday, October 10, Zoe Woodley, Founder and MD of MatchUp Recuitment, who has worked in the security industry for almost a decade, with experience in screening, operations and staffing, writes about supporting the mental health of security guards.
Beneath the high-visibility jackets and stoic expressions, security guards face a daily grind that’s far more complex- and far more dangerous – than many realise. They are often the first responders to emergencies, the frontline against aggression, and the unseen guardians of public and private spaces. But behind the calm exterior lies a mounting mental health crisis that needs to be addressed by those who employ security guards.
Recognising the issue is the first step to resolving it, and the rising mental health pressures in the security industry deserve to find their way into the spotlight during the month of World Mental Health Day.
The fact is that guards regularly endure long, unsociable shifts, deal with verbal and physical abuse, and operate in high-stress, high-risk environments with minimal recognition or support. The effects are undeniable. Research from the University of Portsmouth shows nearly 40 per cent of security guards report symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and large numbers experience burnout, anxiety, or depression. Yet the mental health needs of this workforce have too often been overlooked by employers.
The research showed that 64 p[er cent of security guards suffered verbal abuse at least once a month – with half of these as regular as once a week – and 43pc of respondents reported threats of violence at least once a month, sometimes even on a daily basis.
The statistics are alarmingly stark. Aside from high rates of PTSD, studies show that security officers are significantly more likely than the general workforce to experience workplace violence, emotional exhaustion, and poor sleep quality. The result is a workforce that’s stretched too thin, both emotionally and mentally as well as physically.
Investing in wellbeing isn’t just a moral obligation, but it also makes good business sense. Guards who feel supported are more engaged, resilient, and effective under pressure. Meaning employers benefit from lower turnover, reduced absenteeism, and stronger performance in situations where professionalism and calm decision-making matter most.
Even though it makes commercial sense, research consistently shows that many employers fail to provide adequate mental health and wellbeing support for security guards, with some managers unaware of -or dismissive toward – the seriousness of these challenges.
This shortfall underscores the urgent need for greater industry-wide conversations around this, focused interventions, and broader acknowledgment of the mental health risks inherent in security roles. Awareness and support need to come from the top, down – and employers are in a strong position to make improvements. World Mental Health Day is the perfect opportunity for those in the industry to actively review internal practices and explore new ways to prioritise team wellbeing.
Normalise mental health
The first step is to normalise talking about mental health in a traditionally unflinching profession, removing the need for guards to suffer in silence – fearing judgment or professional consequences if they speak up. Open conversations can also help others recognise their own symptoms as signs of a deeper issue. It’s so essential that we equip managers and team leaders with the knowledge to recognise and address mental health issues within their own teams, as well as creating a workplace culture where talking about mental health in a peer-to-peer setting is encouraged and stigma-free. It might seem like a minor step, but being able to talk about sensitive issues like these goes a long way to creating change.
Policies matter
While many employers are already taking steps in the right direction, there’s value in ensuring that any formal wellbeing policies are tailored to the specific realities of security work — rather than relying on generic documents designed for other sectors.
Highlighting existing resources from charities such as MIND or PTSD-charities can also help raise awareness of where individuals can seek more support. Promoting these services actively, rather than just burying them in an employee handbook, or expecting employees to research support options for themselves, encourages uptake and offers a clear path to help for those that might feel isolated with their issues.
Notice changes
Managers are often the first to notice changes in staff behaviour, but don’t always know how to respond to that information. Some organisations are introducing mental health first aiders to give teams a dedicated, approachable point of contact on shift. Others are providing training to help leaders feel confident having supportive conversations when they’re needed. Training and equipping managers to know what to do if they do notice early warning signs of stress or trauma can prevent issues from escalating.
Impact
Individually, these changes may seem modest – normalising conversations, introducing tailored policies, signposting to resources, or training managers to notice the signs. But together, they can transform the way security teams experience their work. For guards who often feel invisible, even small gestures of recognition and support can significantly reduce stress, boost morale, and make them feel more loyal to both employers and their team.
Employers have the power to shift the culture of the industry, making it one where mental health is openly acknowledged, properly supported, and genuinely prioritised.
World Mental Health Day serves as a reminder that mental wellbeing matters – not just in theory, but in practice. Across the security industry, we all have a part to play in building environments where mental health is openly acknowledged, properly supported, and prioritised.
The message is clear: meaningful change doesn’t always require sweeping reforms. Sometimes, the most powerful difference comes from small but intentional actions, consistently applied. For the individuals wearing high-vis jackets and carrying the weight of responsibility, those actions can be life-changing.
