Bringing Awareness To PTSD In Police Officers

Traumatic stress affects so many in our country for many different reasons. From our U.S. combat veterans, emergency responders, and victims of violent crimes, trauma can overwhelm and overpower.?

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) presents a crisis in our communities. It represents a large contributing factor to suicides, and can render its victims incapable of functioning successfully on a daily basis.

I have my own experiences with post traumatic stress, as do a large majority of police officers. Second only to the military, law enforcement represents a huge ratio of members affected.?

Soldiers tend to experience trauma in large short doses, usually related to combat. For police, it’s a little different, but just as powerful in its destructive force. Officers usually experience what is known as “cumulative trauma.” This is the constant events happening over the course of a career. I usually describe this as a slow drip I.V. of trauma.?

Officers can routinely experience traumatic experiences on a weekly basis, often with no outlet or management for stress. We are usually expected to suck it up and tough it out, and we’ve all seen the result of that blind spot.?

In 2021 alone, 25% of law enforcement deaths were the result of suicide. Almost every police officer knows a fellow brother/sister who took their own life. I’ve known three.

On this National PTSD Awareness Day, I hope we can all move toward understanding PTSD. It’s not a sign of weakness, it’s not affecting people who “can’t handle things.” Post Traumatic Stress is a neurological and biological disorder. The effect of traumatic stress on the brain causes long term changes in neurochemicals. It is a medical condition that needs to be addressed.?

For more information, visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org.?