Stress and law enforcement is something that has only recently been growing in awareness. This is a field of work where employees witness traumatic events unfold on a daily basis. Because these first responders need to maintain a persona of strength in their line of duty, it is oftentimes difficult to acknowledge they need help from a PTSD therapist.
Law Enforcement and Mental Health
Police officers face a myriad of violence and death. Some see more death and trauma in one day than most people will see in a lifetime. Day after day in this environment creates what is called a cumulative trauma or cumulative PTSD. Rather than PTSD occurring from a single event, it results as these traumatic events build up over time.
Mental Health Statistics
As the concern for mental health in first responders is gaining attention, statistics are growing.
- One study found that 12 percent of police officers surveyed had been diagnosed with a lifetime mental illness, and 26 percent surveyed admitted to experiencing mental illness at that current time.
- Another study done by John Violanti, researcher and police stress expert, found a 30 percent increase in PTSD between January 2020 to April 2021.
The rise in PTSD diagnoses among police officers is no surprise, especially in the face of a life-altering pandemic. There is no option to social distance as a first responder. So not only do they have a front row seat to death, violence, and other trauma every day, they have the added stress of contracting an illness that has no predictable outcome.
Garrett Counseling – Your Choice for a PTSD Therapist
At Garrett Counseling, we have therapists who have extensive experience working with clients who have been diagnosed with PTSD. You do not have to deal with law enforcement stress on your own. Call today and see how Garrett’s PTSD therapists can help you. Click here to complete a brief confidential contact form, or call (256) 239-5662 now!