Supporting Partners of Police Officers with PTSD in Alberta

Police officers in Canada, including Alberta, often face traumatic events. This puts them at a higher risk for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While we often focus on the officers, we sometimes forget about the impact on their partners and spouses. This article looks at the experiences of these partners, the challenges they face, how to support them, and ways to improve help within Alberta.

Impact on the Family

The mental health of Canadian police officers is a serious concern. Between 6% and 35% of police officers may experience PTSD. A Canadian study showed that for municipal and provincial police officers, the rate is between 8.6% and 22.8%. While there’s no specific data for Alberta, it’s likely similar. This is a worrying statistic and highlights the need for support and understanding. When an officer has PTSD, it affects their spouses and partners significantly. PTSD and first responders in Alberta is a rising concern and support is of the utmost importance, requiring a multi-faceted approach to address the complexities; learn more about trauma treatments for first responders.

Partners may experience several negative impacts:

• Mental Health Problems: Partners of police officers with PTSD are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS). STS has similar symptoms to PTSD, but it comes from being exposed to their partner’s trauma, not a direct experience. Secondary Traumatic Stress for partners is a very real condition.
• Relationship Issues: PTSD can shake the foundation of a relationship. Increased arguments, emotional distance, communication problems, and less satisfaction in the relationship are common. Research shows that relationship quality gets worse as PTSD symptoms increase.
• Financial Problems: An officer’s PTSD can make it hard for them to work, or even make them unable to work. Added to this, there can be increased costs for treatment, potentially impacting the family’s finances.
• Family Life Changes: Parenting becomes more stressful, daily routines are harder to maintain, and children can be negatively affected by the changes in the family.

Challenges Faced by Partners

Partners of police officers with PTSD face a unique set of difficult challenges:

• Secondary Trauma (STS): This isn’t just empathy. It’s experiencing trauma symptoms from being close to their partner’s trauma. They might have intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and increased anxiety related to their partner’s work. Recognizing PTSD signs is important for partners as well as the officers, and understanding PTSD in first responders is the first step in seeking help.
• Emotional Tiredness: Constant worry, needing to be aware of their partner’s moods and triggers, and the emotional burden of providing support can lead to ongoing fatigue and burnout.
• Feeling Alone: Many partners feel like they can’t talk to anyone. They may not share their experiences due to the stigma around mental health, or because others don’t fully understand their situation.
• Safety Worries: The dangers of police work create constant anxiety about their partner’s safety. With PTSD, this fear can become even stronger and more constant.
• Communication Problems: Talking about the trauma can be very hard. Emotional withdrawal by the officer, along with anger or irritability, can make communication difficult.
• Healthcare Challenges: Finding mental health services for both the officer and themselves can be difficult. Dealing with insurance, finding specialized therapists, and accessing support adds more stress.
• Different Experiences for Men and Women:
  • Female Partners: Often carry a greater burden of emotional work and caregiving, which increases the emotional impact.
  • Male Partners: May feel pressure to be the “strong, silent type,” leading them to hide their own feelings and making them less likely to seek help.

Support Strategies

Because of these challenges, a broad approach to support is needed. This includes therapy, practical support, peer networks, and resources from police organizations:

• Therapy Options:
  • Individual Therapy: Therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and other trauma-focused approaches are important for both the officer and the partner. These therapies help process trauma, develop coping skills, and manage symptoms. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Police Officers is a proven way to help them with their trauma.
  • Couples Therapy: Approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) can help couples rebuild communication, deal with relationship problems caused by PTSD, and encourage mutual support.
  • Family Therapy: If children are involved, family therapy is essential. It addresses how PTSD affects the whole family, improving communication and helping everyone develop coping strategies.

• Support Groups: These groups provide a safe space for partners to share experiences, connect with others who understand, and learn coping strategies.

• Education about PTSD: Providing clear information about PTSD, its effects, and available treatments is vital. This helps reduce stigma, increases understanding, and empowers people to seek help.

• Practical Help:

  • Financial Help: Access to financial aid can ease the financial stress related to PTSD, including treatment costs and loss of income.
  • Childcare Help: Subsidized childcare or respite care can give partners much-needed breaks, allowing them to go to therapy, take care of themselves, or simply rest.
  • Respite Care: Respite care programs offer partners chances to step away from their caregiving role and recharge, preventing burnout.

• Peer Support:

  • Partner Support Groups: In-person and online groups specifically for partners of police officers with PTSD are very helpful. Badge of Life Canada is a good resource, offering a space for shared experiences and support.
  • Online Communities: Online forums and social media groups provide an easy way to share experiences, find resources, and connect with others in similar situations.

• Self-Care

  • Mindfulness: Mindfulness meditation can reduce stress and improve emotional regulation.
  • Exercise: Regular physical activity helps manage anxiety and improves well being.
  • Hobbies: Engaging in enjoyable activities provides a distraction from stress and promotes positive emotions.

• Police Department Resources:
  • Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAPs): These programs offer confidential counseling and support to officers and their families, providing a first point of contact for help.
  • Peer Support Programs: Trained officers who provide support to their colleagues and families, using shared experience and understanding.
  • Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM): Debriefing and support after traumatic events can help lessen the immediate impact of trauma and prevent PTSD.
  • Badge of Life Canada: (https://badgeoflifecanada.org/) This national organization provides support to police officers and their families dealing with PTSD and other stress injuries. They offer resources specifically for partners.
  • The Tema Conter Memorial Trust: (https://www.tema.ca/) This Canadian organization provides education, research, and support related to mental health for first responders and their families.

Barriers to Getting Support

Despite available resources, significant barriers prevent partners from accessing the support they need:

• Stigma: The stigma around mental health is a major obstacle. Both officers and their partners may fear judgment, social isolation, or negative career impacts if they seek help.
• Lack of Awareness: Many people don’t know about the resources available. This can be due to poor outreach, not enough information, or the overwhelming nature of the situation.
• Financial Limits: The costs of therapy, childcare, and other support can be too high for many families, especially if the officer’s income is reduced.
• Limited Access in Some Areas: Accessing specialized mental health services can be hard in rural or remote areas of Canada, including parts of Alberta, where resources may be limited.
• Distrust: Some people may worry about confidentiality or fear negative consequences within the police force if they seek help through official channels.
• Confidentiality Worries: The close-knit police community can make confidentiality a concern. Partners may worry that seeking help will expose their family’s struggles.
• Specific Alberta Challenges:
  • Wait Times: The Canadian healthcare system, including Alberta’s, often has long wait times for mental health services. This delay can be harmful, as early intervention is important for PTSD treatment.
  • Cultural Barriers: A lack of culturally sensitive services for Indigenous communities and other minority groups can create access barriers. Services may not be available in the right languages or may not address the unique cultural needs of these communities.

Policy Changes

Addressing the needs of partners of police officers with PTSD requires changes in organizations, communities, and government policies:

• Police Departments:

  • Mandatory mental health training for all officers and supervisors, creating a culture of understanding and support.
  • Proactive screening for PTSD and other mental health conditions, allowing for early identification and help.
  • Internal campaigns to reduce stigma around mental health within the police force, encouraging open communication.
  • Improved access to confidential and specialized mental health services for officers and families, ensuring privacy and professional care.
  • Policies that support officers taking time off for treatment without fear of harming their careers.
  • Collaboration with community organizations to provide a wider range of support services.

• Community:

  • Public awareness campaigns to educate the community about PTSD and its impact on families, encouraging empathy.
  • Development of community-based support groups and peer support networks, providing accessible support options.
  • Training for healthcare providers on the specific needs of police families, providing culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care.
  • Increased funding for community mental health services to reduce wait times and improve access to care.

• Government (Canada/Alberta):

  • Increased financial support for mental health research and services, focusing on first responders and their families.
  • Laws to ensure access to timely and affordable mental health care for all Canadians, removing financial barriers.
  • Development of national standards for PTSD treatment and support, ensuring consistent quality of care.
  • Support for organizations that provide peer support and advocacy for police families, strengthening the network of resources.
  • Addressing the specific needs of Indigenous communities by providing culturally appropriate mental health care, recognizing their unique challenges.

Different Views

To fully understand the issue, it’s important to consider the views of different people involved:

• Police Officers: Officers with PTSD may feel guilt, shame, and fear of judgment, affecting their willingness to seek help. They may also worry about the impact on their careers and their ability to provide for their families.
• Partners: Partners often feel overwhelmed, isolated, and resentful of the changes in their partner and relationship. They may struggle to understand PTSD and find effective ways to cope.
• Mental Health Professionals: Mental health professionals advocate for proven treatments and integrated care that addresses the needs of both officers and families. They emphasize early intervention and trauma-informed approaches.
• Law Enforcement Agencies: Law enforcement agencies face the challenge of balancing the needs of their officers with the job’s demands. They may be concerned about the costs of providing mental health support and potential legal liability.
• Community Members: Community members, advocacy groups, and concerned citizens often advocate for increased public awareness and resources for spouses of first responders. They may push for policy changes to improve access to mental health care and reduce stigma. To explore available avenues of assistance, consider investigating support for spouses of first responders.

By recognizing these different views, we can work together to create a more supportive environment for police officers and their families affected by PTSD in Canada. A system that prioritizes early intervention, accessible and confidential support, and a culture of understanding will benefit not only those directly affected but also the broader community served by these dedicated professionals. Mental health support for Alberta Police is a necessity.

If you are the partner of a Police officer in Alberta and are struggling with the impacts of PTSD, reach out to Responders First. We can provide confidential information and guidance.

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.