Supporting the Mental Health of Security Guards
Behind the High-Vis: 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. Behind the calm exterior lies a mounting mental health crisis that needs to be addressed by those who employ security guards.
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% 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%[1] of security guards suffered verbal abuse at least once a month – with 50%[2] of these as regular as once a week – and 43% of respondents reported threats of violence at least once a month, sometimes even on a daily basis.
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.
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.
Small Steps Big 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.
[1] Security guards struggle with PTSD and lack mental health support
[2] Security guards struggle with PTSD and lack mental health support