PTSD for First Responders and Active Federal Service Members (LEOs)

A common rumor with PTSD is that it is somehow reserved for the military community. I even hear this among First Responders, such as EMTs, police, firefighters, and emergency dispatchers - even though our First Responders are on the front lines here at home every day. 

Many of my fellow Veterans are drawn to continue their service as a First Responder in their community, or as in active federal service, or in federal Law Enforcement. I want to take a minute to dispel some myths and give you some real talk about PTSD in our First Responder and LEO community.

Many civilians believe that only military members can suffer from PTSD, and, within the ranks, many Service Members believe that only ops folks or combat Veterans can have PTSD. Very often, I hear clients say something to the effect of, “I don’t ‘deserve’ to have PTSD.”

Let's start off by saying: that is not a thing; that is fundamentally not how PTSD works. You don’t have to be a trigger-pulling, pipe-hitting mother-trucker for PTSD to whoop your ass (although you certainly can be). 

Then there’s the idea that PTSD is reserved for those who have “earned it” or somehow "deserve it." Let’s have some real talk: I don’t deserve to have the flu. I’m a really nice person and good looking. But flu doesn’t give a shit about that. No one deserves to have malaria or HIV or schizophrenia, but we don’t get a choice. PTSD is same-same.

PTSD can develop in anyone after experiencing a trauma. Trauma is defined as, "actual or threatened exposure to death, serious injury, or sexual violence." That is a pretty big umbrella. According to research, over 80% of First Responders report experiencing traumatic events on the job, and it is estimated that 10–15% have been diagnosed with PTSD. Because these are self-report measures, I am going to guess that these numbers are low simply because the rumors about PTSD are so powerful.

The bottom line is that anyone can develop PTSD after a trauma, and First Responders and feds spend a lot of time around death, injury, and sexual violence in the course of their work every single day. If this is you, I want to encourage you to get help. PTSD is something that happens to us; it is not something wrong with us. We absolutely can come back from our PTSD and reclaim our lives.

*****

“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.”

The best way to start is to identify the problem. Download my free workbook and take a No-Sh*t assessment of where you are at today.

First Responders and PTSD

“It is estimated that 30 percent of first responders develop behavioral health conditions including, but not limited to, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as compared with 20 percent in the general population (Abbot et al., 2015).”

I enjoy talking with readers and hearing about your experiences more than you could imagine. I never thought that our little book would find its way into the hands of so many law enforcement professionals and first responders, but, after hearing their stories, I get it. The amount of psychological distress and overall job stress is astounding. On top of the lack of sleep and physical demands of the job, law enforcement and first responders are repeatedly exposed to trauma.

Here are some resources that specifically address the needs of law enforcement and first responders. If you know of other organizations, let us know so that we can pass it on:

Code Green Campaign (http://codegreencampaign.org/)

The Code Green Campaign is a first responder oriented mental health advocacy and education organization. Also known as Code Green, we serve all types of first responders, including firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, police, corrections, air medical, and search & rescue.

First Responder Support Network (https://www.frsn.org/) 

The mission of the First Responder Support Network (FRSN) is to provide educational treatment programs to promote recovery from stress and critical incidents experienced by first responders and their families. FRSN provides basic and advanced peer support trainings and is available to present on topics such as critical incident stress, peer team development, and inoculation training. FRSN is available to speak with responders, their families, and anyone seeking to assist a responder or their significant other. There is no charge for the outreach and the call is confidential (unless someone is in danger).

UTHealth Trauma and Resilience Center’s First Responder Mental Health Treatment Program (https://tinyurl.com/446zajhu) 

The program provides one hour of counseling a week for 8 to 15 weeks via telemedicine appointments. Specialists provide services for a range of mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder, general anxiety, depression, marital problems, and sleep problems.

Heroes Helpline (https://heroeshelpline.org/)

The Heroes Helpline provides a FREE, entirely confidential, telephone support and referral service that affords first responders and healthcare workers the opportunity to seek treatment without fear of judgment, stigma, or occupational threats. Heroes Helpline allows first responders to find help for substance use disorder through a 24/7 hotline.

Healing Our Own (https://healingourown.org/getting-help) 

Firefighters standing together for healthy bodies and minds. This provides a comprehensive list of resources for firefighters that have been recommended by a member of the California fire service as a resource for their peers. Resources include: Crisis lines, National programs and Regional programs.

Your turn: what organizations have helped you in your journey?

*****

“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, 

or Acknowledge & Heal, A Women's-Focused Guide to PTSD