Law enforcement officers (LEOs) have an important role in
our communities. They are responsible for protecting us and our property, but
they also play a crucial role in providing emotional support to those in need.
Whether it's offering comfort and information to victims of crime or natural
disasters, LEOs serve as a beacon of stability in chaotic and traumatic
situations.
But their job is not easy. LEOs face difficult situations
every day and regularly encounter criminal and violent acts. It's their duty to
maintain peace and order, show compassion towards victims, and save those who
are in danger. However, due to circumstances beyond their control, they may not
always be able to protect or support victims, or apprehend dangerous criminals.
And when this happens, they may experience moral distress, a type of
psychological pain that arises when an individual is expected to make the right
decision but is unable to do so due to internal or external factors. This can
greatly affect an officer's core values and lead to feelings of helplessness,
powerlessness, shame, compromised integrity and justice, reduced sense of
dignity, and emotional suffering.
While they are driven by a strong desire to protect and
serve their communities, LEOs are also regularly exposed to traumatizing
situations that can take a toll on their mental and emotional well-being.
One common issue among LEOs is compassion fatigue. This
develops when LEOs are repeatedly exposed to the suffering of others, but are
limited in their ability to help or make a positive impact. The constant
feeling of being unable to alleviate the trauma of victims can lead to
difficulties in emotionally disengaging from their experiences. This can have
serious consequences, such as hindering decision-making abilities in critical
situations and causing emotional detachment or numbness. In extreme cases, it may
even lead to resignation from the job.
But the challenges faced by LEOs go beyond just caring for
others. They are also exposed to dangerous and gruesome situations, such as
hostage scenarios, drug busts, and responding to fatal accidents. The
cumulative effect of these traumatic events, combined with the everyday
stressors of the job like long hours, difficult people, and political tensions
within the department, can greatly impact an LEO's mental health and ability to
perform their duties effectively.
In some scenarios, LEOs may be forced to use lethal force,
leading to immense psychological distress. Making a mistake resulting in the
death of a colleague or being ordered to do something that goes against
personal beliefs can also cause moral injury, similar to what soldiers
experience on the battlefield. These experiences can leave LEOs struggling with
feelings of guilt and shame that can greatly impact their mental well-being.
LEOs who have killed or severely injured a perpetrator are
at higher risk of developing PTSD if they do not address their moral injury.
Suicide is also a significant concern among LEOs, though it
is not exclusively caused by exposure to traumatic events. Lack of social
support is a major factor contributing to feelings of hopelessness and suicide
among LEOs. In 2017, 103 firefighters and 140 LEOs died by suicide, while 93 firefighters
and 129 LEOs died in the line of duty.
Unfortunately, LEOs, like other first responders we’ve
discussed, are often the last to admit they need help, as it goes against their
role as providers of support rather than recipients. Seeking help is often
stigmatized or seen as a weakness in this community, where toughness is
essential. However, it is crucial for first responders to know how and where to
find help in order to build resilience.
Support mechanisms, the removal of the stigma associated
with experiencing emotional distress, and education about good mental health
being just as important as good physical health need to be available and easily
accessible to all first responders.
*****
“If you believe change is possible, you want to change, and you are willing to do the work, you absolutely CAN get your life back.”
Get your copy of The Soldier's Guide to PTSD, The Soldier's Workbook,
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