In moments of crisis, first responders — police officers, firefighters, EMTs and emergency workers — are the first to arrive, putting themselves in harm’s way to save lives and restore order. Axon celebrates their bravery and resilience, but what often is left unspoken is the toll these jobs take on mental health. Every day, every shift, they can face traumatic experiences, and over time, the weight of those experiences can become overwhelming.
View Mental Health Resources From Axon
Axon understands that protecting life extends beyond the technology we provide — it’s also about protecting those who serve on the front lines. That’s why the Axon Aid humanitarian program focuses not just on disaster relief, but also on the mental health and well-being of first responders. We offer dedicated support to help them cope with the stressors of their job and prioritize their emotional well-being. Axon Aid resources are available at absolutely no cost to agencies and communities.
Perhaps one of the most important contributions of Axon Aid is its role in changing the conversation around mental health. By normalizing mental health discussions and promoting a culture of wellness, Axon Aid helps break the stigma that has long surrounded mental health in the first responder community. Seeking help is no longer seen as a sign of weakness, but as a necessary part of maintaining strength and resilience.
Celebrating World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is observed each year on October 10. At Axon, we take this day to reaffirm our commitment to mental health for our public safety partners worldwide by connecting them with targeted wellness resources. This year, in honor of World Mental Health Day, Axon designed and distributed a My90 survey to officers across the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Italy to identify some of the best stress management strategies used by today’s law enforcement officers.
Below are the top eight officer-recommended stress management strategies identified from the survey, ordered by popularity. These insights aren’t meant to be comprehensive or prescriptive, but rather to motivate officers to explore activities that help them manage stress effectively.
Top 8 Officer Recommended Stress Management Strategies
Exercise and physical activity
Around 62% of respondents shared that exercise helps them decompress and manage their stress. The types of exercise varied, with respondents mentioning running, gym workouts, weightlifting, HIIT training and walks. Notably, 11% of respondents reported taking part in Jiu Jitsu, bag work or boxing.
Hobbies outside of the police profession
Over 50% of respondents shared that maintaining a hobby, such as painting, gardening or reading, helped them mitigate their stress levels.
Spending time with friends and family
Over 64% of respondents highlighted that spending time with friends and family was a key stress management strategy. Social support is critical for emotional health. For many, the ability to unwind with loved ones acts as a buffer against job-related stress, showcasing the value of relationships and empathy in mental health.
Mental fitness and stress reduction techniques
Mental fitness techniques — like meditation, yoga, breathing exercises or grounding activities — were also popular. These activities help individuals manage immediate stressors, especially in moments of anxiety or panic.
Relaxation through entertainment
Entertainment is a surprisingly effective stress management strategy for many. Over 43% of respondents shared that watching TV, listening to music or podcasts or even playing video games helped them unwind after work.
Talking with someone
Communication is a powerful tool. Whether through debriefs with a supervisor or informal chats with colleagues, 31% of respondents found relief in talking through their experiences, particularly with those who could relate.
Prioritization/Problem-Solving
A small percentage (3%) of respondents shared that they manage stress by methodically breaking down tasks and prioritizing to reduce overwhelm.
Change of scenery/removal from the situation Sometimes, the best way to manage stress is simply to step away. Approximately 11% of respondents reported that removing themselves from a stressful situation or asking someone to cover for them was an effective strategy.
There are many ways to positively impact stress levels. We developed these resources in the hopes they can be useful to first responders. If they resonate, we hope you share them or adopt into your routine. As we learned from the survey and heard from participants, everyone has their own method, and is encouraged to keep searching for other ways to proactively manage your stress. Please keep in mind that if you or someone you love is experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, or may be a danger to themselves or others, call your local emergency number as soon as possible.
Axon Aid’s Approach to Mental Health Support
These survey findings align closely with Axon Aid’s approach to mental health. Through a combination of technology and wellness initiatives, we provide first responders with a variety of tools and resources to manage their mental health:
Mental Health Resources and Training
Axon Aid offers access to counseling services, wellness apps, and mental health training programs that help first responders recognize and address the signs of stress, trauma and burnout in themselves and others.
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Post Traumatic Growth video series includes five experiential phases that encourages viewers to embrace new possibilities, form deeper relationships, acknowledge and learn from the personal struggles one has endured, and use that experience to help others through theirs.
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Peer Support: Corrections is a newer video series in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) Employee Services team — also known as their “wellness unit.” These new videos are a valuable addition to Axon Aid’s corrections wellness video resources, first introduced last year with a range of corrections professionals to support officers across multiple phases.
Peer Support Networks
The survey revealed that officers frequently turn to their peers for support, and Axon Aid fosters peer support networks where first responders can connect with colleagues who understand their unique challenges. These networks provide a vital sense of community and shared understanding.
Trauma-Informed Care
Understanding trauma is essential to supporting mental health. Axon Aid promotes trauma-informed care, which recognizes the emotional impact of trauma and tailors support accordingly, ensuring that responders receive care in a safe and empathetic environment.
Commitment to Wellness
Axon is committed to supporting the mental health of first responders long-term. As we continue to innovate in the fields of public safety and humanitarian relief, Axon Aid will keep working to ensure that those who protect us are protected, too — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.
This World Mental Health Day, we reflect on the importance of mental health for our first responders. Whether it’s through peer support, exercise or professional counseling, we encourage everyone to find the strategies that work for them and to prioritize their well-being every day.
About Axon
Axon is a technology leader in global public safety. Our moonshot goal is to cut gun-related deaths between police and the public by 50% before 2033. Axon is building the public safety operating system of the future by integrating a suite of hardware devices and cloud software solutions that lead modern policing. Axon's suite includes TASER energy devices, body-worn cameras, in-car cameras, cloud-hosted digital evidence management solutions, productivity software and real-time operations capabilities. Axon's growing global customer base includes first responders across international, federal, state and local law enforcement, fire, corrections and emergency medical services, as well as the justice sector, commercial enterprises and consumers.
