Understanding the Impact of Police Work on Mental Health

Police officers are often the first on the scene at accidents, crime scenes, violent events, and other traumatic situations. Being directly exposed to these events can have lasting psychological effects. It’s not just the exposure itself, but how often it happens. Officers may relive these traumatic experiences through reports, going to court, and investigations. This constant cycle can increase the risk of conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A 2018 study showed that 44.5% of Canadian public safety personnel, including police, tested positive for at least one mental disorder Report Here. This is much higher than in the general population, where the number is closer to 10%. PTSD in Police Officers is a very real issue.

Shift Work and Its Effects

Police work is a 24/7 job. This means officers work long, irregular hours. Night shifts, weekend duties, and being on-call disrupt normal sleep patterns and family life. This can lead to constant tiredness, making officers more likely to have mental and physical health problems. It is important to address the impact of insomnia on police officer well being, as sleep problems are common.

Public Scrutiny and Its Toll

Today, police actions are closely watched by the public and the media. Every decision can be reviewed. This adds extra pressure, as officers must balance their job demands with community expectations and possible consequences. High-pressure situations, demanding work, and public scrutiny can lead to burnout. Burnout is marked by negative feelings, emotional tiredness, and reduced effectiveness at work.

The Alberta Context

In Alberta, these challenges are shaped by the province’s diverse landscape. Officers in rural areas may face isolation and limited backup, adding to their stress. Those in cities like Edmonton or Calgary might deal with higher crime rates and more public scrutiny. Despite these differences, the need for mental health support for police officers is constant across the province.

Breaking Through Barriers: Addressing Stigma

A major challenge in encouraging police officers to seek mental health support is overcoming the stigma within the profession. This section discusses the different types of stigma and how they affect an officer’s decision to get help.

Types of Stigma

Stigma in policing is complex. It’s made up of several connected concerns that influence an officer’s thinking and behavior.

• Internal Stigma: This is the stigma officers place on themselves. It’s the belief that admitting to mental health struggles makes them weak or unfit for duty. This internal dialogue can be very harmful, preventing officers from acknowledging their problems, let alone seeking help. They might fear that any sign of weakness will be seen as failure.
• External Stigma: This comes from outside sources, like colleagues, supervisors, or the public. Officers might worry about being judged, made fun of, or overlooked for promotions if they seek mental health support. This fear of judgment can create a culture of silence.
• Perceived Stigma: Sometimes, the fear of stigma is greater than the actual stigma. Officers might imagine negative reactions from colleagues or superiors, even if there’s no proof. This perceived stigma can be just as powerful in preventing them from seeking help.

Policing Culture

Police culture often values emotional toughness. From their early training, officers are taught to stay in control, hide their emotions, and appear strong. This “tough guy” culture, though well-intentioned, can make it hard for officers to admit they’re struggling (CPHA Study). Asking for help may seem to go against the qualities of a “good” officer.

Career Worries

One of the biggest barriers is the fear of how seeking help could affect an officer’s career. This fear isn’t completely unfounded, as there have been cases where officers faced negative consequences due to mental health issues. Officers may worry about:

• Being seen as unfit for duty.
• Losing their firearm.
• Being moved to less desirable roles.
• Missing promotions.
• Facing discipline.
• “Mental health therapy” may be viewed with concern.

These concerns are very real, even if the organization has policies to protect officers seeking mental health support.

Specific Organizational Concerns

• RCMP: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as a national force, has put in place various mental health strategies (RCMP Website). However, concerns about privacy and career impact still exist. The RCMP’s size and structure can make it hard to ensure complete privacy about an officer’s mental health. “PTSD in RCMP officers” is a significant concern.
• Municipal Police Forces in Alberta: In Alberta, city police forces like Edmonton and Calgary have their own policies and resources. While these forces aim to support their members’ mental health, the level of support and privacy concerns can vary. Officers and their families should check their specific force’s policies to understand the available support and how it’s managed.

Denial

Some officers refuse to admit they have a problem, believing they should handle struggles on their own.

Lack of Trust

Sometimes there’s a lack of trust between officers and the mental health support offered, especially when it’s internal.

Effective Communication: Starting the Conversation with your Police Officer Partner or Spouse

Starting a conversation with your police officer partner is a critical first step. It must be approached with care and understanding. This section provides guidance on how to effectively communicate your concerns and encourage your police officer partner to consider mental health support.

Finding the Right Time and Place

The setting for this conversation can significantly affect its outcome. Choose a time and place where both of you feel safe, comfortable, and free from distractions. Consider:

• Privacy: Choose a location where you can speak openly without being overheard, like at home or during a quiet walk.
• Timing: Avoid starting the conversation when your partner is stressed, tired, or busy with work. Find a moment when they are relaxed and open to discussion.
• No Interruptions: Ensure you won’t be interrupted by children, calls, or other obligations. Turn off devices and give the conversation your full attention.

Expressing Your Feelings

Begin by expressing your love and concern for your partner’s well-being. Use “I” statements to share your observations and feelings without blaming or judging. This creates a supportive, non-threatening environment.

• Example 1: “I’ve noticed you’ve been coming home from work more exhausted than usual, and it worries me. I care about you, and I want to make sure you’re okay.”
• Example 2: “I’ve been feeling concerned about how stressed you seem. I’ve noticed you’re not sleeping well, and I want you to know I’m here for you.”
• Example 3: “I love you, and it hurts me to see you struggling. I’ve noticed you seem more distant lately, and I’m worried about how you’re coping.”

Showing Empathy

Listening is just as important as speaking. Give your partner space to share their thoughts and feelings without interruption. Show empathy by acknowledging their experiences and validating their emotions.

• Reflective Listening: Repeat back what your partner said to ensure you understand. For example, “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed by the constant pressure at work. Is that right?”
• Validation: Acknowledge their feelings as valid, even if you don’t fully understand. For example, “I can see why you’d feel that way. It makes sense you’re feeling stressed given all you’ve been through.”
• Non-verbal Cues: Maintain eye contact, nod, and use other non-verbal cues to show you’re engaged and listening.

Providing Guidance

This approach involves guiding your partner to explore their concerns about seeking help. It encourages self-reflection and helps them reach their own conclusions.

• Open-Ended Questions: Ask questions that encourage your partner to elaborate.
  • “What are your biggest concerns about seeking mental health support?”
  • “How do you think therapy might help you?”
  • “What’s holding you back from considering getting help?”
• Reflection: Rephrase your partner’s statements to show you understand.
  • “So, you’re saying you’re worried about how your colleagues might react if they knew you were seeing a therapist.”
  • “It sounds like you’re hesitant because you’re not sure if therapy can really help with the stress you’re experiencing.”
• Affirmation: Recognize your partner’s strengths and resilience, reminding them of their ability to overcome challenges.
  • “You’ve always been incredibly strong, even in the toughest situations. I know you have the strength to get through this too.”
  • “You’ve shown so much resilience in your career. I believe in your ability to find healthy ways to cope with stress.”

Normalizing Mental Health

One of the most powerful things you can do is normalize mental health. Help your partner understand that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Emphasize that mental well-being is as crucial as physical health.

• Analogies: Draw parallels between mental and physical health. For example, “Just like you’d see a doctor for a physical injury, it’s important to seek support for your mental well-being.”
• Personal Stories: If comfortable, share your own experiences with seeking mental health support, or those of friends and family. This can reduce stigma and show it’s okay to ask for help.
• Statistics: Refer to statistics about police and other public safety members who experience problems. This can normalize the process.

Focusing on Overall Well-being

Present therapy as a way to improve overall well-being, not just as a treatment for a specific “problem.” Highlight therapy’s benefits in various aspects of life:

• Enhanced Coping Skills: Explain how therapy can provide tools to manage stress, regulate emotions, and cope with difficult situations more effectively.
• Improved Relationships: Discuss how therapy can help improve communication, strengthen relationships, and resolve conflicts.
• Personal Growth: Emphasize that therapy is an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery, helping people become more self-aware and resilient.

Avoiding Blame and Judgment

Approach the conversation without blaming or judging your partner. Avoid language that could make them feel defensive or ashamed.

• Don’t: “You’re always so stressed. You need to get help.”
• Do: “I’ve noticed you seem more stressed lately, and I’m concerned. I wonder if talking to someone might help.”
• Don’t: “You’re being unreasonable. Why won’t you just go to therapy?”
• Do: “I understand your concerns about therapy. Can we talk about what’s holding you back?”

Offering Practical Support

Offer to help your partner research resources, find suitable therapists, or attend appointments with them. This practical support can make seeking help less daunting.

• Research: Offer to gather information about available mental health services, like EAPs, peer support programs, and therapists specializing in first responders.
• Appointments: Offer to help schedule appointments or go with your partner to their first session if they’re anxious.
• Logistics: Help with practical matters like childcare or transportation to make it easier for your partner to attend therapy.

Using the Right Language

• Avoid Stigmatizing Terms: Don’t use words like “crazy,” “weak,” or “broken” when discussing mental health. These terms can be hurtful and reinforce negative stereotypes.
• Emphasize Solutions: Focus on the positive outcomes of therapy, like improved coping skills, better relationships, and enhanced well-being.
• Highlight Long-Term Benefits: Discuss how seeking mental health support can contribute to a longer, healthier career, a more fulfilling retirement, and a better quality of life with family and friends.

Considering Seniority

• Newer Officers: May be more open to discussing mental health due to changing police culture.
• Senior Officers: May be more set in the “tough guy” mindset.
• Rank: Higher-ranking officers may have more concerns about image.
• Long Term: The effects of long-term stress can cause problems later on. Addressing challenges faced by partners of officers with PTSD requires understanding these factors.

Mental Health Resources

Knowing about available mental health resources is key to supporting your partner. This section explores different support systems, focusing on resources for police officers in Canada, particularly Alberta.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

Most police forces offer EAPs as a first line of support for their members and families.

• What They Offer: EAPs provide confidential counseling, crisis intervention, and referrals to other mental health professionals. They address issues like stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and substance abuse.
• Pros:
  • Free: EAP services are usually free for the employee and their immediate family.
  • Readily Accessible: EAPs are often easily accessible, with multiple locations and flexible scheduling.
  • Familiar: Officers may be more comfortable using an EAP because it’s a known resource within their organization.
• Cons:
  • Confidentiality Concerns: Some officers worry their information might not be fully confidential within an internal system.
  • Limited Sessions: EAPs typically offer a limited number of sessions, after which the officer may need external support.

Peer Support Programs

Many police forces have peer support programs, with trained officers providing confidential support and guidance to colleagues.

• How They Work: Peer support teams are made up of officers trained in active listening, crisis intervention, and mental health awareness. They offer a safe space for officers to discuss their struggles with someone who understands the job’s unique challenges.
• Pros:
  • Relatability: Officers often feel more comfortable talking to a peer with firsthand experience of policing’s pressures.
  • Trust: Peer support teams operate on trust and confidentiality, encouraging officers to open up.
• Cons:
  • Limited Scope: Peer supporters aren’t mental health professionals and can’t provide therapy or clinical treatment.
  • Availability: Peer support availability may vary depending on the police force’s size and resources.

Specialized Therapy Services

Some therapists specialize in working with first responders, including police officers.

• Why Specialized Therapy Matters: Therapists with this specialization deeply understand the unique challenges and stressors police officers face. They’re familiar with policing culture, the types of trauma officers encounter, and the barriers that prevent them from seeking help. Trauma treatments in law enforcement are often best delivered by specialists.
• Finding a Specialist: You can find therapists specializing in first responders through online directories, professional organizations, or referrals from EAPs or peer support teams.

Canadian Resources:

• Badge of Life Canada: A national organization providing resources and support for Canadian police officers and their families dealing with operational stress injuries (OSIs) and PTSD (https://badgeoflifecanada.org/).
• The Tema Conter Memorial Trust: Focuses on education, research, and support related to mental health for public safety personnel, including police officers (https://www.tema.ca/).
• Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): A national organization providing information, resources, and support for mental health across Canada (https://cmha.ca/).
• Wounded Warriors Canada: Offers mental health programs for veterans and first responders.

Internal vs. External Support

• Internal Support (EAP, Peer Support):
  • Pros: Convenient, familiar, and often free.
  • Cons: Potential confidentiality concerns, limited support scope.
• External Support (Private Therapist):
  • Pros: Greater privacy, specialized expertise.
  • Cons: May require more effort to find a suitable provider, potential financial costs.

Understanding Confidentiality and Privacy

Privacy is a major concern for police officers considering confidentiality in their mental health support. This section breaks down confidentiality, addressing common fears and providing practical advice.

The Core Concerns

Police officers often worry about two main aspects of confidentiality:

• Workplace Disclosure: Officers fear seeking help will be disclosed to their employer, potentially harming their career. They may worry about being labeled, stigmatized, or deemed unfit for duty.
• Privacy: Officers value their privacy and may be reluctant to share personal information, even with a therapist, fearing it could become public or be used against them.

Addressing the Concerns

Here’s how to address these concerns with your partner:

• EAP Confidentiality: Explain that EAPs are legally bound to maintain confidentiality. Information shared with an EAP counselor is generally protected and can’t be disclosed to the employer without the officer’s consent.
• Private Therapy Confidentiality: Emphasize that private therapists have a professional and ethical obligation to protect client confidentiality. Information shared in therapy is considered privileged and can’t be released to anyone, including the police force, without the officer’s written permission.
• Exceptions to Confidentiality: Be transparent about the limited exceptions. Therapists are legally required to report:
  • Imminent Threat of Harm: If the officer poses a danger to themselves or others.
  • Child Abuse or Neglect: If there is suspicion of child abuse or neglect.
  • Court Order: If a court orders the release of records.
• Police Force Policies: Encourage your partner to review their police force’s mental health policies. These should outline procedures for accessing support and measures to protect confidentiality.
• Seeking Clarification: If your partner has specific concerns, advise them to seek clarification from:
  • Human Resources (HR): HR can provide information about the force’s policies.
  • Union Representative: A union representative can advocate for the officer’s rights and ensure confidentiality.
  • Legal Counsel: If necessary, seeking legal advice can provide further assurance about confidentiality rights.
• Informed Consent: Explain that therapists require informed consent before starting treatment. This means the officer will be fully informed about confidentiality limits and their rights before sharing any personal information.

Next Steps

1. Educate Yourself: Learn more about the issues facing police officers.
2. Start the Conversation: Find a way to begin a healthy discussion.
3. Research Resources: Explore all available resources. Mental health support for Alberta police is readily available.
4. Offer Support: Show you care with both words and actions.
5. Be Patient: Change takes time.
6. Long-Term Benefits: Frame the discussion around the long-term advantages of seeking help.

Contact Responders First today to explore the resources and support available for your partner and your family. We are here to help.

Don Davis

15+ years of emergency response experience. Passionate about connecting our first responder communities with critical resources. Author of hundreds of articles and guides on First Responders mental health care. When not responding to emergencies, you can find me playing with my dogs, hiking, or enjoying a good book.