It will likely come as no surprise to any LEO family member that being part of a law enforcement family will involve a great deal of stress, not only on the officer, but also on all other family members. While all family dynamics are stressful, law enforcement—simply given the nature of the job—means the officer will encounter stress regularly. Men and women often report that they pursue law enforcement careers because they want to make a difference in their communities despite knowing that they will not be as financially well compensated for their level of risk. During a Critical Incident for Law Enforcement seminar in Orlando, Florida, in 2016, when officers were asked to raise their hands in response to the prompt, “How many of you went into to law enforcement to help others?” all 35 participants raised their hands.
An altruistic personality is a common trait in officers; many who enter law enforcement are motivated to do so to make a positive difference in the lives of others and truly believe in the motto “to protect and serve.” Much of law enforcement work involves risking one’s health, safety, and well-being to ensure that another person stays safe. “An altruistic police officer feels a sense of fulfillment when he or she risks their life to help others.” (Hein 2014) This sense of fulfillment is part of what makes officers continue to be committed to do this challenging work day after day, year after year.
This altruistic personality, as well as fears of being judged for being weak or “not squared away,” can be powerful deterrents to seeking needed mental health assistance. During initial and ongoing training, officers may be warned through the grapevine that they will lose credibility regarding their effectiveness if they admit to needing help or that they are struggling with mental health issues. (Karaffa and Koch 2016) Officers also perceive a
stigma—whether real or imagined—for those who avail themselves of mental or emotional treatment or support; they fear that if they seek psychological or psychiatric assistance they may be seen as weak, may be alienated from or by their peers, or may even be found unfit to carry a weapon. LEOs also report being concerned about breaches in confidentiality if they do seek mental health assistance. (Florida Regional Community Policing Institute 2014)
Breaking down this stigma is of utmost importance, given the necessity of mental fitness for LEOs and their families. Trauma is inherent in law enforcement positions, and officers and families must learn that taking affirmative steps to improve mental health takes moral and psychological courage; doing so is hardly a mark of weakness. It is imperative that we continue to promote—and decrease the stigma of—regular mental health checkups, as well as the continual seeking of assistance for acute problems. Following these steps will hopefully lead to enhanced mental fitness. (Palomino 2011).
With this background in mind, let’s take a look at some of the specific stressors facing the law enforcement community, including the following:
- Addiction
- Cynicism
- Intense scrutiny in the media and community
- Post-traumatic stress and related symptoms
- Public and supervisory support
- Risk of suicide
- Sacrifices and coping mechanisms
- Sleep-related disorders and medical issues
Click below to read more …
cops-w0941-pub