Workers’ compensation mutual EML and the University of NSW will conduct a three-year research project seeking ways to overcome depression and anxiety in emergency services personnel.

The study, awarded an Australian Research Council grant, will explore links between post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety.

The project will evaluate a NSW emergency services rehab program that is designed to address depression but impedes returns to work in personnel affected by psychological trauma.

“There is a significant lack of research on how to optimally manage their stress reactions and enhance rehabilitation outcomes to help them return to work and their lives,” University of NSW School of Psychology researcher Richard Bryant said.