Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how we think, feel, and act in our daily lives, and it also affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just like physical health, mental health is an essential part of our overall well-being. It can fluctuate throughout our lives, impacted by a variety of factors, including life experiences, work environments, and personal relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rangers often work in challenging environments \u2014 from remote landscapes and long, unpredictable hours to navigating limited resources and the emotional toll of witnessing harm, conflict, or environmental degradation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many face isolation, a lack of formal peer support, and persistent stigma around mental health \u2014 all of which can erode resilience, increase risk, and affect job performance and morale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prioritising mental health isn\u2019t an added extra \u2014 it\u2019s a core part of keeping people safe, supported, and able to do their jobs well. When we protect ranger wellbeing, we protect the future of conservation too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In some parts of the world, rangers face frequent and serious threats to their safety\u2014ranging from encounters with armed poachers and dangerous wildlife to working in isolated and unstable environments. A 2021 survey by the Game Rangers Association of Africa<\/strong> found that 86% of rangers had faced a life-threatening situation<\/strong>, including violence and threats. Source<\/a>: GRAA Report<\/a>. In many regions, the majority of rangers have experienced at least one life-threatening incident while carrying out their duties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite playing a vital role in protecting both wildlife and natural landscapes, rangers often do so with limited training, minimal equipment, and little support for their own physical and mental wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We believe wellbeing support isn\u2019t an extra, it\u2019s a necessity. Essential to keeping rangers safe, resilient, and able to continue their vital work on the front lines of conservation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mental Health Foundation (UK)<\/a><\/strong> Mind (UK)<\/a><\/strong> WHO \u2013 Mental Health Information<\/a><\/strong>Further Reading<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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External Mental Health Resources <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Offers a wide range of factsheets, guides, and campaign information about mental health, with accessible language and clear explanations of mental health concepts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Includes A\u2013Z factsheets, self-care tools, and practical advice for recognising and managing mental health difficulties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A more global overview of mental health definitions, statistics, and strategies, including mental health in crisis contexts and for humanitarian workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n