Criminal justice system officers have a lot of job to accomplish. These people work tirelessly in demanding and all-too-often thankless professions, ranging from the healthcare providers we turn to in an emergency to the defenders of the legal system. Are the measures taken to protect us and them enough?
A recent study points out that there are more firefighters that commit suicide in a year than deaths while responding to calls. In addition, thousands of police officers kill themselves every year across the country. The increasing rise in suicide attempts and ideas is one worrying trend. They typically arise as a result of the stress and psychological damage brought on by their jobs.
First responders frequently find themselves in dangerous situations that might be fatal in these high-stress, high-risk jobs. Their physical wounds, hazardous surroundings, traumatic experiences, and a number of other things could be detrimental to their mental health. Poor performance has been linked to work-related problems such extended work hours, physical stress, and poor sleep.
First responders are far more prone to depression, PTSD, and other mental health problems than the average person. Not everyone experiences stress in the same ways, and these consequences last even when people are not working. Police officers and those working in the field of public safety may have PTSD symptoms such as drug addiction, rage, anxiety, trouble sleeping, and stomach problems.
The stigma around mental health persists despite the availability of tools and treatments. Even though this stigma still exists everywhere, it is more pronounced in some. Treatment is frequently postponed as a result of these institutional and cultural constraints, leaving public safety officers to manage the issue alone.
Although peer support has it’s positives, professional help is still required. There are several places where you can find this kind of assistance. Public safety workers have access to several free options, but only virtual support services. If you need assistance, you can also get in touch with organizations founded by people who are aware of the time and effort required to safeguard public safety.
In the areas of healthcare and public safety, we can help our heroes a lot more. To improve public understanding of mental health concerns and lessen the stigma associated with seeking treatment for them, we must all work together. More information about PTSD’s affects on public safety personnel can be found on the cited website.
