The Hidden Toll: How PTSD in RCMP Officers Affects Partners and Spouses in Alberta

Being the partner or spouse of a Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer means sharing a life with someone dedicated to protecting communities across Canada. RCMP officers often face tough and dangerous situations. While people are starting to talk more about the risks and stress that RCMP officers face, the impact on their partners and spouses is often hidden. This article talks about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS), and vicarious trauma, and how they deeply affect the families of RCMP officers, especially partners and spouses in Alberta.

Understanding Trauma: PTSD, STS, and Vicarious Trauma

Before we look at how families are affected, it’s important to understand the different types of trauma that can affect those connected to RCMP officers.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a mental health condition that can happen after someone experiences or witnesses a scary event. For RCMP officers, this could be anything from dealing with a deadly car crash to facing armed criminals, or even just being exposed to disturbing things over and over again.

The American Psychiatric Association explains the main symptoms of PTSD:

• Intrusive Memories: These are recurring, unwanted memories of the traumatic event. They can include vivid flashbacks that feel like reliving the experience, or upsetting nightmares.
• Avoidance: People with PTSD often try hard to avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma. This could be places, people, activities, or even thoughts and feelings linked to the event.
• Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: This includes things like feeling hopeless, numb, distant from others, having trouble feeling happy, and having negative thoughts about yourself or the world.
• Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions: This includes being easily startled, reacting strongly to unexpected things, having trouble sleeping or concentrating, being irritable, having angry outbursts, and doing reckless or self-destructive things.

The DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria is a tool used by mental health professionals to diagnose PTSD. It requires someone to have been exposed to a traumatic event and to have specific symptoms from the four categories listed above. These symptoms must last for more than a month and cause significant problems in daily life.

Mental health support for RCMP officers is very important due to the long lasting impact of PSTD. Learn about how you can find access to mental health support for RCMP officers and other resources.

As the Mayo Clinic points out, the long-term effects of chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in the RCMP can be serious. People with PTSD may have trouble with relationships, work, and physical health. They’re also more likely to develop other mental health problems, like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS)

While PTSD directly affects the person who experienced the trauma, Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) affects those who are close to someone who has experienced trauma. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network explains that STS is the emotional distress that comes from hearing about the trauma experiences of another person. Partners and spouses of RCMP officers are especially at risk of STS because they are often the ones officers talk to about their experiences.

The symptoms of STS are very similar to those of PTSD, including intrusive thoughts, nightmares, avoidance, increased anxiety, and feeling emotionally numb. The partner or spouse may start to feel like they’re experiencing the trauma themselves, even though they weren’t directly involved.

Vicarious Trauma

Vicarious Trauma is a more gradual and cumulative form of trauma that happens from being exposed to the traumatic experiences of others over a long period. The Office for Victims of Crime describes it as a change in the helper’s inner experience, because of connecting emotionally with trauma survivors. For partners and spouses of RCMP officers, this can develop over time as they listen to and support their loved ones through repeated exposure to traumatic stories and situations.

Vicarious trauma goes beyond the symptoms of STS and affects a person’s worldview, beliefs, and sense of self. It can cause feelings of hopelessness, cynicism, a loss of meaning, and feeling less safe and secure. Partners and spouses may find their basic beliefs about the world challenged, leading to feeling let down and disconnected.

Stress in RCMP Work: Creating a Risk for Trauma

The nature of RCMP work creates a unique and challenging environment that significantly increases the risk of trauma exposure. Several key factors contribute to this:

• Exposure to Trauma: This is the most obvious stressor. RCMP officers regularly deal with traumatic events, including violent crimes, accidents, deaths, natural disasters, and situations involving vulnerable people. The buildup of this repeated exposure can be overwhelming.
• Shift Work: Policing often requires officers to work irregular and long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. This disrupts sleep and family routines, leading to constant tiredness, increased stress, and difficulty balancing work and life. Having trouble sleeping is an issue RCMP officers face at a higher rate than average.
• Organizational Stressors: Like any large organization, the RCMP has bureaucratic challenges, limited resources, and internal pressures. Officers may face challenges related to not enough support, complicated disciplinary procedures, and not having control over their work assignments. These factors can lead to frustration, feeling powerless, and job dissatisfaction.
• Public Scrutiny: RCMP officers are under a lot of public scrutiny, and their actions are often subject to intense media attention and public criticism. This constant pressure can add to job stress and create a sense of always being on guard.
• Geographical Isolation: RCMP officers in Canada, especially in Alberta, may be assigned to rural or remote areas, which can make it hard to get regular mental health treatment.

These combined stressors create a tough environment not only for the officers but also for their families. The constant worry, irregular hours, and the emotional impact of the job can affect the home, creating a ripple effect that impacts partners and spouses.

Recognizing the Signs: PTSD in RCMP Officers

It can be hard to identify PTSD in first responders, as officers are often trained to be tough and may not want to show weakness. However, there are behavioral, emotional, and relational signs that partners and spouses can look for.

Behavioral Signs

• Increased Alcohol or Substance Use: Using alcohol or drugs to cope with stress, anxiety, or traumatic memories is a common, but harmful, coping strategy.
• Withdrawal: Officers with PTSD may isolate themselves from social activities, family gatherings, and hobbies they used to enjoy. They may become withdrawn and not want to communicate.
• Reckless or Aggressive Behavior: This can include risky driving, getting into fights, or other impulsive actions.
• Sleep Disturbances: Having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or having frequent nightmares are common PTSD symptoms.
• Avoidance: Officers might actively avoid places, people, or situations that remind them of traumatic events. This could include avoiding certain routes, not wanting to go to social events, or getting upset when certain topics are brought up.
• Hypervigilance and Exaggerated Startle Response: Being overly aware of surroundings, constantly looking for danger and having a very strong reaction to loud noises or movements.
• Irritability and Angry Outbursts. Showing anger more than usual, short temper, or lashing out at loved ones over small things.

Emotional Signs

• Emotional Numbness or Detachment: The officer may seem emotionally flat, unable to express feelings, or disconnected from loved ones. Often RCMP officers will have an Emotional Shutdown causing issues with their personal and professional relationships.
• Persistent Sadness or Hopelessness: A constant feeling of sadness, despair, and a lack of hope for the future.
• Increased Anxiety or Fear: Constant worry, nervousness, and a heightened sense of fear, even in situations that aren’t actually dangerous.
• Guilt, Shame, or Self-Blame: The officer may feel responsible for the traumatic events they saw or may think they could have done more to prevent them.
• Loss of Interest: Activities that once brought joy may now seem meaningless.

Relational Signs

• Increased Conflict: Arguments with partners and family members may become more frequent and intense.
• Emotional Distance: The officer may become emotionally unavailable, making it hard for their partner to connect with them emotionally.
• Communication Breakdowns: Difficulty expressing thoughts and feelings, leading to misunderstandings and frustration.
• Intimacy Issues: PTSD can significantly affect sexual desire and intimacy in the relationship.
• Distrust: Trauma can damage trust, making it hard for the officer to trust others, including their partner.

Partner’s Perceptions: Dealing with the Unfamiliar

Partners and spouses often struggle to understand these signs, especially if they don’t know much about PTSD. They may think the officer is distant, uncaring, angry, or simply “not themselves.” This can lead to confusion, frustration, helplessness, and even anger. The partner may feel like they’re walking on eggshells, not sure how to interact with their loved one without causing a bad reaction.

The Ripple Effect: Impact of an RCMP Officer’s PTSD on Their Partner/Spouse

An RCMP officer’s PTSD doesn’t just affect them; it significantly impacts their partner or spouse in many ways.

Emotional Well-being

Partners may experience a wide range of emotional challenges, including:

• Increased Anxiety: Constant worry about the officer’s safety and well-being, and the possibility of future traumatic events.
• Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and isolation are common, especially as the partner sees the officer’s struggles.
• Feelings of Isolation: The partner may feel alone, unable to share their concerns with others who may not understand the unique challenges of being with an RCMP officer.
• Fear for the Officer’s Safety: The dangers of police work create a constant feeling of fear and anxiety for the partner.
• A Sense of Helplessness: Seeing the officer’s pain and not being able to “fix” it can lead to feeling helpless.

The U.S Department of Veteran Affairs states that family members of individuals with PTSD experience higher distress levels.

Physical Health

The ongoing stress of living with an RCMP officer with PTSD can show up as physical symptoms, such as:

• Sleep Disturbances: Trouble sleeping due to worry, anxiety, or being woken up by the officer’s nightmares.
• Fatigue: Constant stress and emotional strain can lead to exhaustion.
• Chronic Stress: Long-term stress can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of health problems.
• Somatic Complaints: Headaches, stomach problems, and other physical issues can be caused by stress.

Relationship Dynamics

The officer’s PTSD can significantly change the relationship:

• Communication Breakdowns: As mentioned earlier, communication problems are a common result of PTSD, leading to misunderstandings and conflict.
• Increased Conflict: Arguments may become more frequent and intense as both partners struggle to cope.
• Intimacy Issues: PTSD can affect sexual desire and intimacy, leading to feelings of disconnection and frustration.
• Role Reversal: The partner may take on more responsibilities at home and with childcare, as the officer struggles with daily tasks.
• Emotional Distancing: The officer’s emotional unavailability can create a large emotional gap between partners.

Parenting Challenges

If the couple has children, the officer’s PTSD can also affect their parenting:

• Inconsistent Discipline: The officer may have trouble providing consistent discipline, going back and forth between being too strict and too relaxed.
• Emotional Unavailability: Children may feel neglected if the officer is emotionally withdrawn.
• Increased Irritability: The officer may be more irritable and short-tempered with the children.

The partner often has to make up for the officer’s difficulties, taking on more parenting responsibilities. This can lead to increased stress, resentment, and strain on the partner’s own well-being.

Barriers to Seeking Help: Why RCMP Families Struggle in Silence

Even though PTSD significantly impacts RCMP families, many struggle to get help because of several barriers:

• Stigma: Mental health issues, including PTSD, are still highly stigmatized, especially in law enforcement. Officers and their families may fear being judged, discriminated against, or facing negative career consequences if they talk about their struggles.
• Confidentiality Concerns: Worries about privacy and the potential impact on the officer’s career can stop families from seeking help. They may worry that seeking help will be seen as a weakness or could risk the officer’s job. It is important to clarify there is a level of confidentiality in mental health support for RCMP officers that is maintained when working with a mental health professional.
• Geographical Limitations: Access to mental health services can be limited in rural areas of Alberta and other parts of Canada, where many RCMP officers are stationed. This can make it hard for families to find therapists or support groups that understand the unique challenges of RCMP life. Travel distances, time off work and expense are all a factor.
• Lack of Awareness: Partners and spouses may not know about available resources or how to access them. They may not know where to turn for help or may not realize that their own struggles are valid and deserve support.
• Financial Barriers: Money problems may also be a factor for the family. Loss of income, travel and hotel costs may increase the cost of getting support.

These barriers make it hard to access much-needed support, leaving many RCMP families to deal with PTSD in silence.

Support Systems and Resources: Help for RCMP Families in Canada and Alberta

Fortunately, there are several support systems and resources for RCMP families in Canada and Alberta. However, awareness and accessibility are still major challenges.

• RCMP Employee Assistance Services (EAS): The RCMP Employee Assistance Services provides confidential counseling and support to RCMP members and their immediate families. This is an important first place for families to go for help.
• RCMP Operational Stress Injury Resource Guide: The RCMP Operational Stress Injury Resource Guide provides information on mental health and where to find more resources.
• RCMP Peer Support Program: This program connects RCMP members with trained colleagues who can provide support based on shared experiences. While mainly focused on officers, peer support can indirectly help families by giving the officer a safe place to talk about their challenges.
• Provincial Mental Health Services: Each province, including Alberta, has its own mental health system that offers various services.
  • Alberta Health Services: Alberta Health Services provides mental health and addiction services, including counseling, therapy, and support groups. Navigating the system can be challenging, but it’s important to keep trying.
  • Addiction & Mental Health 24 Hour Helpline: 1-866-332-2322 (Alberta Wide)
• Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): The CMHA and CMHA Alberta offer resources, programs, and support for people and families affected by mental health issues. They have branches across Canada and in various communities within Alberta.
• Badge of Life Canada This peer led charity helps police and corrections personnel dealing with psychological injuries. https://badgeoflifecanada.org/
• Wounded Warriors Canada: Wounded Warriors Canada provides mental health programs and services to veterans, first responders, and their families across Canada. They have specific programs for families.
• The Tema Foundation: https://www.tema.foundation/

It’s important to know that the effectiveness of these programs can vary. While people say that peer support programs and specialized trauma therapies can be helpful, there isn’t much comprehensive data on program outcomes due to privacy concerns. Access and awareness are still significant challenges, especially in rural and remote communities.

Coping Strategies for Partners and Spouses: Building Resilience

Partners and spouses of RCMP officers with PTSD need to develop coping strategies to manage their own well-being.

• Self-Care: Making self-care a priority is essential. This includes:

  • Physical Health: Exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.
  • Emotional Well-being: Practicing relaxation techniques, like meditation or yoga, and doing hobbies and activities that bring joy.
  • Setting Boundaries: Learning to say “no” to extra commitments and prioritizing personal needs.

• Communication Strategies: Effective communication is crucial for a healthy relationship:

  • Active Listening: Paying close attention to what the officer is saying, both verbally and nonverbally, and trying to understand their perspective.
  • Expressing Needs Assertively: Clearly and respectfully communicating personal needs and boundaries.
  • Seeking Professional Help: Participating in couples therapy or family therapy to improve communication skills and address relationship challenges.

• Seeking Professional Support: Individual therapy can provide a safe space for partners and spouses to process their emotions, develop coping strategies, and address any underlying mental health concerns. Couples therapy can help improve communication, resolve conflict, and rebuild intimacy. Family therapy can be helpful if children are involved.

• Building Support Networks: Connecting with other partners and spouses of RCMP officers or first responders can provide a sense of community and shared understanding. Support groups, either online or in-person, can be a valuable way to share experiences, get support, and reduce feelings of isolation.

Moving Forward: Supporting RCMP Families

The impact of PTSD in RCMP officers and the effects on their partners and spouses is a serious issue in Canada. The demanding nature of RCMP work, combined with the stigma around mental health, creates a challenging environment for families. By increasing awareness of Secondary Traumatic Stress for partners, reducing stigma, improving access to resources for officers and their families, and conducting further research, we can help RCMP families get the support they need. This requires a collaborative effort from the RCMP, government agencies, mental health professionals, community organizations, and individuals. Recognizing and addressing the hidden burden carried by the partners and spouses of RCMP officers is not only a matter of caring but also a crucial step in ensuring the long-term health of those who serve and protect our communities. Contact Responders First today to find out more about supporting your loved one and get access to the care you deserve.

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.