BOCA RATON, Fla. – Many studies have looked at the mental health consequences of the pandemic on first responders, now a study is revealing how workplace strategies impacted substance use and abuse.
Dr. Kaila Witkowski with Florida Atlantic University was part of a collaboration using a nationwide survey to assess the experiences of nearly three thousand police, fire and EMS personnel.
The intent was to better understand how various approaches may have had positive or negative impacts on alcohol and drug use.
“And we found that compensation during quarantine may have actually compounded or increased possible substance use during this time and we’re not saying that quarantine or compensation during quarantine was bad, we’re saying it’s more nuanced than that. There’ve been some studies that suggest that boredom associated with quarantine or more access to substances during this time might have led to the increase there,” she said.
On a positive note, Witkowski said the study found that providing at work ‘decompression spaces’, places where first responders to go to relax and process their experiences, helped reduce substance use and abuse.
ART PROGRAM HELPS THOSE WITH MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS
The week of April 1, 2024, marked an annual event to recognize the mental health benefits of artwork.
The items on display at Memorial Healthcare’s Outpatient Behavioral Center were created by participants in their ‘Rebel’s Drop-in Center’ which serves as a sanctuary for those seeking support for mental health issues.
“The program has helped me a lot, I’m focusing now, I’m re-in touch with reality, with friends with family. when I came here, I was very lonely and depressed and this program has helped me a lot in many different ways especially with my art,” said participant Matthew Butler.
The center, located in Davie, Fla., is open every day of the year including weekends and holidays.