Three Reasons Police Officers (First Responders or Public Service Personnel) Avoid Mental Health Professionals… And How to Change That
Courtesy of Jason Childers, PhD
Many police officers, first responders, or public service personnel (PSP) avoid seeking mental health treatment for various, often legitimate reasons. Most choose to live with their symptoms instead of confronting the internal challenges they face. This reluctance has led to the tragic statistic that more officers die from suicide than from gunfire and traffic accidents combined.
1. The Stigma
The first reason officers avoid mental health help is the stigma surrounding it. Unlike treatment for physical conditions like musculoskeletal injuries or diabetes, mental health treatment is often perceived as a sign of weakness. Mental health struggles are seen as something “wrong” with the person, rather than an external issue that can be treated. This stigma is especially prevalent for officers dealing with PTSD, who fear the impact on their careers, including promotional opportunities, job assignments, and concerns about being placed on desk duty or even fired.
Despite this, many officers continue to serve and perform their duties effectively, even with PTSD symptoms. This demonstrates the resilience and capability of police officers, first responders, and PSPs, even when they are struggling internally. While some cases may require light duty or termination, most officers can still manage their responsibilities despite their challenges.
2. The Culture of Stoicism
Another barrier to seeking help is the culture of stoicism that exists within law enforcement. Stoicism, which emphasizes enduring pain and hardship without expressing feelings, is essential in high-stress situations. It allows officers to separate their emotions from the trauma they experience on duty. However, this mindset can be problematic if officers completely shut off their emotions. Over time, these emotions must be processed, or they can remain bottled up, leading to further mental health challenges.
The stoic mindset is necessary in police work, as officers need to remain composed in the face of trauma. However, officers must also acknowledge and process their emotions. Recognizing the need for mental health support is crucial for maintaining their well-being.
3. Distrust of Mental Health Professionals
The third reason many officers avoid seeking treatment is a deep distrust of mental health professionals and, often, others outside their profession. Officers live in a close-knit community and often feel misunderstood by those who cannot relate to their experiences. This sense of isolation can make it hard for them to reach out for help, even when they are struggling with PTSD or other mental issues.
Many officers feel that mental health professionals may not fully understand the unique challenges of their profession. This lack of understanding can prevent officers from seeking the help they need.
How We Can Change This
It’s time to change the narrative and encourage officers to seek the help they deserve.
- For officers: Take action to support your own mental health and that of your colleagues. Increase awareness of stress and PTSD within your department. Teach stress management or bring in a professional to lead a workshop. Promote open conversations and create an environment where mental health is discussed without fear of judgment.
- For administrators: Implement policies that support officers’ mental health. Make it clear that seeking professional help will not jeopardize their careers. Prioritize the wellness and health of your officers, as they are your greatest asset.
- For mental health professionals: Reach out to local police agencies to offer training and education. Establish a rapport with officers by becoming a familiar face they can trust. Help break down the stigma surrounding mental health within police agencies and the community.
By working together, we can eliminate the barriers that prevent officers from seeking the help they need. Educating officers about the differences between licensed counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, and doctors, and explaining how their medical records are protected, will further help to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health treatment.
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