The men and women who work in law enforcement have a lot on their plates. From those we rely on in a medical emergency to those we trust to maintain justice, these professionals labor persistently in challenging — and all-too-often thankless — vocations. Is enough being done to ensure that they are safeguarded in the same way that we are? The following are some of the mental health concerns that our first responders must deal with.
Firefighters commit suicide at a higher rate than those who die in the line of duty, according to a recent study. In addition, it is estimated that between 125 and 300 police officers commit themselves each year. In recent years, suicide attempts, attempts, and ideas have all escalated, which is worrying. They are frequently the result of the trauma and emotional stress brought on by their employment.
In these high-stress, high-risk jobs, people are put in dangerous — and often life-threatening — situations. Physical injuries, exposure to hazardous environments, stressful events, and a range of other factors could all have a bad impact on their mental health. Long work hours, physical strain, and lack of sleep are just a few examples of work-related issues that have been shown to have an impact.
In comparison to the general population, 30% of first responders experience depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other behavioral health disorders as a result of these occurrences. When you’re not working, the stress doesn’t go away, and it doesn’t look the same for everyone. Substance addiction, wrath, anxiety, sleeping issues, and digestive issues are just a few of the symptoms that officers and other members of the public safety community may experience as a result of PTSD.
Despite the fact that persons with PTSD have access to tools and therapy, mental health is still stigmatized. In the United States, this stigma is pervasive, although it is especially prevalent in some industries. Treatment is frequently delayed as a result of such social and cultural restrictions, leaving public safety officers to deal with the crisis alone.
Fortunately, organizations are working to remove the stigma associated with mental illness among active and retired first responders. More preventive and educational initiatives have resulted in increased support, therapy, and more open communication.
Professional aid is still essential, even if peer support is beneficial. This type of help is available from a variety of sources. Virtual help services are private, despite the fact that public safety workers have a variety of free possibilities. There are also phone lines manned by persons who understand the time and work that goes into keeping the public secure.
There is so much that can be done to help our heroes in the areas of health care and public safety. It might start with all of us working together to raise awareness and remove the stigma surrounding mental health treatment. More information about PTSD in public safety employees can be found in the resource below.
