In recent years, much has come to light regarding stress and stress disorders that impact individuals who work in high-risk professional industries. While professional security guards have been unreasonably marginalized from high-risk occupations, the gap is reducing as the role of the private security industry evolves and grows.

In their line of work, security professionals encounter a variety of threats that could cause traumatic stress. These threats present a dangerous as well as a challenging environment. Therefore, the role of a security professional is becoming more complex. The chances of getting hurt on duty have increased significantly. And with these increased potential risks, being exposed to a continuous level of stress is highly probable.

Normally, security professionals placed in crisis situations will experience post-traumatic stress. The problem, however, arises when the stress persists, intensifies, and eventually becomes a weakness. Being on constant alert can also be stressful. And when you are responsible for the safety of others, stressing out is natural.

So, if you are a security guard trying to protect the client of the security company you work for, you will need to find ways to manage the occasional stress. Below we have 5 stress management tips for professional security guards, which will help you deal with your stress and be in top condition for duty.

  1. Identify The Signs Of Stress

    Many security guards do their day-to-day job without thinking about the pressure they go through. In fact, few don’t even realize that there is an issue until it becomes severe. That is why it is important to learn how to spot the buildup of pressure.

    Just as security guards scan the crowd or property for signs of disorders, it is also essential for him to do a self-check. This will help the security guard understand why he is feeling stressed. Because not knowing if you have issues will lead to bigger and severe problems. And in order to find the solution, one first must pinpoint the issues.

    You can consider these tips to do so:

    • Are you feeling frightened to do the same kinds of activities that you have been doing before? If suddenly you dread going to work or hate what you do, that can be a sign of stress.
    • Observe your mood changes. Notice them, then stop and consider why it is happening. A definite symptom of stress arises when a person starts to feel agitated without being able to identify why.
    • Notice how you talk to people. Do you feel like stopping and listening, or do you get annoyed quickly? This can also be a sign of stress building up. Speaking in a calm manner can make you as well as the other party you are addressing calmer.

    Once you have understood that you are stressed, it is time to do something about it before it causes any undesirable impact on you or the people around you. The tolerance level of everyone is different, but everyone feels stressed from time to time.

  2. Take a Break

    Being away from the causes can help you reduce stress. A break can significantly help you manage your stress.

    Also, working non-stop can cause a security guard to stress out as he is always responsible for the safety of others, which can naturally stress someone out. Take a break from the scenarios that you feel are the reasons for your stress. If you can, get some time off to relax. 

    In the meantime, think about the reasons and why it is happening. Also, take the time to reflect on your career and its benefits. Rethinking why you are on this career path and focusing on the good it does could make all the difference.

  3. Communicate

    While you are the person helping others by working to keep them safe, it is hard to ask for help yourself. However, feeling the effects of stress and needing help is normal. And to stay professional as a security guard, one needs to address the signs and reasons and ask for help. 

    Don’t be too hard on yourself. Everyone deals with stress as well as a lack of confidence at times. Communication, support, and time can often help to manage stress. 

    Communicate about how you are feeling to your human resources manager or supervisor. Also, ask for recommendations on how to better manage or reduce the stress of the job.

  4. Consider A New Assignment

    At times, a specific location or position can cause stress. Sometimes the stress of your current position or location is complex for you to manage to the point that the best thing to do is make a change. That is when you should request a transfer to a different location or position.

    In circumstances like these, changing the job duties or location may be the best choice. A new environment may help you manage your stress. This may also give you a different perspective on your job, which may provide you with a more relaxed mind.

    If you must, you can also switch to work for security guard services that provide services to the areas that are better fit for your stress management ability. 

  5. Consider Traumatic Stress

    In some circumstances, security guards experience life-threatening occurrences when engaging suspects. These experiences can have negative impacts on security guards and can result in a high level of stress. When the stress level intensifies so much that you become unable to focus and it’s impacting your family as well as life outside of work, it is time to do something about it right away. Try to recognize the reasons for your stress and ask for help.

Final Thoughts

When you experience unpleasant incidents while working as a security guard, facing occasional stress is common. By following these 5 stress management tips for professional security guards and staying aware of what you feel can help you cope with the stress. These feelings are natural but letting them get deeper is not healthy. Ask for help before the scar becomes deeper. These tips will help a security guard stay effective and professional while facing stressful situations.