It’s OK Not to Be OK: How We All Can Help the Public Safety Community

Early this year in Miami, first responders from across the country gathered at the International Chiefs of Police Officer Safety and Wellness Symposium. I had the honor of delivering opening remarks, re-emphasizing FirstNet’s support for the law enforcement community and introducing my colleague, retired Air Force Capt. Scott Mendoza.

Watching Scott open up to an audience full of police officers and share some of his most vulnerable experiences—doing so as an act of service to diminish mental health stigmas and encourage treatment—was incredibly emotional and humbling. Talking with Scott makes it clear that first responders, like veterans, have distinct needs when it comes to wellness, many of which aren’t often understood or seen in the community.

To help shine a light on the topic, I’m sharing Scott’s story in his own words. While these conversations are difficult and sometimes painful, we must have them to save lives and foster a healthier public safety community.  

What are some of the health concerns particular to first responders and public safety personnel?

 Scott Mendoza: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a huge concern, and in the pandemic era, we’re seeing a new surge in impact as well as increased awareness. Whether the source is combat, law enforcement work, frontline medical response or other root causes, PTSD affects everyone differently. But across the board, the impression trauma can leave is broad.

Each public safety function can have different associated traumas; for some, a particular on-the-job incident may be deeply traumatic, while others may go their entire careers without that personal experience. One officer may have seen a crime scene many times before and it doesn’t have as much immediate impact, but another may have that scene ingrained in their mind forever.

PTSD is difficult to treat because the root causes are the traumatic experiences and everyone reacts to those experiences differently. Providers can only treat the symptoms, whether that’s depression, anxiety, social anxiety, anger or other emotions.

And speaking of depression and anxiety, they’re real concerns—and they aren’t necessarily the same as one another or the same as PTSD. Depression and anxiety can be phases; they may just be one moment in time and not return. Or they may be lifelong illnesses. It’s the same with PTSD: The trauma can be so ingrained that it leads to a lifelong disorder. In some cases, it’s all of the above.

Further, on the outside, everything can look just fine on the job. But if you look beyond to personal life, it can be a different story—and for many, including those in law enforcement and first response, that can be difficult to share.

You’ve openly discussed your own experiences as a veteran and your subsequent struggles with PTSD. What has that looked like for you?

SM: I spent 14 years in the Air Force, flying deployed missions and engaging in conflict. It’s been a long journey to get to a place of self-awareness and open discussion.

When I first transitioned out of the military, my wife and I were geographically living separately because of my job in the Air Force. The transition to living together revealed that I wasn’t the same person she married, or even that she had seen the year before. I reasoned that it was the move to civilian life, and I needed time to adjust. However, as time passed, my wife saw me spiral into a deep depression. I stayed at home more often and avoided social gatherings altogether. I was easily irritated. I frowned more than I smiled. My wife noticed these changes, and she was scared. What was I becoming, and if left untreated, what harmful actions might I take?

I had heard veterans’ stories of struggling with PTSD, but I didn’t make that connection. I didn’t think I was sick or needed psychiatric treatment. To me, those resources were for people who have “serious” problems. That perception kept me from realizing my issues much earlier. But I reached a tipping point when I came home to my wife crying because she didn’t know who she married anymore.

What kind of support mechanisms are in place for first responders?

SM: Unfortunately, not enough. Veterans have VA hospitals; there are no first responder hospitals. There’s no real outreach that says, ‘First responders need help, and here’s what we’re going to do.’ Civilian hospitals and caregivers typically don’t have the training or resources specific to first responder mental health issues. In contrast, VA hospitals do have dedicated providers and experience that specialize in these areas.

Many first responders are retired armed service members who bring valuable military experience—and in some cases, these veterans also bring past traumatic experiences with them that can affect their civilian careers. Veterans-turned-first responders may struggle with social and cultural stigmas associated with mental health issues. They may also face perceived career setbacks for seeking mental health treatment because no one wants to promote someone who is “sick.”

Contrary to this reality, those who are seeking help should be proud of and confident in their decision. Facing your traumatic experiences, guided by trained mental health professionals, will make you stronger.   

Some of you reading this may be wondering what you can do. The good news is you can have a tremendous positive impact regardless of your particular role:

• Leaders of public safety departments: Create a positive environment that supports those who are struggling with mental health, including a tiger team to spearhead mental health and wellness initiatives within the department. Also, consider events like a Town Hall webcast to address mental health head-on.
• Peers: Look out for your family, friends and colleagues. If you sense something isn’t right, it probably isn’t. Offer your support and assistance. “I just wanted to say that if you ever need to talk, I’m here for you,” is a good start—and often more effective than, “Are you okay?”
• Self: Understand the symptoms of PTSD, including depression, anxiety, social anxiety, anger, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, detachment, numbness, guilt, shame, self-destructive behavior, sleep disruption and other symptoms. Identify your feelings and reach out to a trauma-specific psychiatrist, therapist or other mental health professional.

There are resources out there, including information on where to go for help. But recognizing the need for help is the biggest issue and the first step. Having conversations like this is where it starts. It’s hard to go into a room mostly full of men and talk about PTSD; it’s still taboo. But if we keep having these conversations, and if we lead by example, hopefully we can instill acceptance, support and increased awareness in first responder culture.

If you or someone you know is in danger of self-harm, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1-800-273-8255 or visiting suicidepreventionlifeline.org.