Law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to
protect their communities. While law enforcement is comprised of some of the
strongest, bravest men and women in the world, these officers are not immune to
mental health problems, addiction, or even suicide.
In fact, some statistics indicate that the stressful work
environment and traumatic circumstances officers find themselves in can
increase the likelihood for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other
mental health issues. This can even lead to thoughts of suicide. The support
system for law enforcement extends beyond their own circle of family, friends,
and coworkers; members of society can contribute support in their own ways.
1. Recognize the warning
signs. Those closest to law enforcement individuals are often able to
identify warning signs of mental health issues lurking under the surface.
In Public Safety outlines several potential
warning signs to look for including:
● Talk
of suicide or death
● Verbalizing
negative self-talk
● Isolation
from friends and family
● Sudden
dramatic improvement in mood after a period of depression or being withdrawn
● Extreme
mood changes, such as aggression and hostility or passivity and hopelessness
● Reckless
behavior or inappropriate use of weapons
● Asking
another officer to hold their weapon
● Recent
issues with alcohol or drugs
Family and friends may feel helpless
when they’re concerned about the well-being of a law enforcement officer, but
there are ways to help. Preventing a
downward spiral into alcoholism or extreme
irreversible actions (such as attempted suicide) begins with providing support,
not only when warning signs are noticed, but before.
2. Encourage the “annual mental health check.” Developed in 2006, the annual mental
health check is a program encouraging officers to visit a licensed therapist
once per year as a preventative measure. It was created as a response to
alarming statistics about suicide among law enforcement professionals.
Encourage the law heroes in your life to participate in this voluntary program
to preserve their mental health.
3. Volunteer for a
peer-to-peer helpline. Retired law officers can continue to give back to
the community and support their fellow law enforcement professionals by
volunteering for a peer-to-peer helpline such as
Copline.
This is a national hotline providing a safe and confidential support system for
police officers.
Manned by trained, retired officers, Copline provides a
valuable service by providing current officers with direct support from peers
who understand the stressors of the profession.
4. Support
organizations such as the National Police Wives Association.
Law enforcement professionals are not the only ones who experience stress as a
result of their field. Their spouses are also affected by the stress and
pressure. Organizations like the NPWA not only offer support for wives of law
officers, but also provide a safe haven where they can learn about resources
that help with their spouse’s mental health.
CopsAlive.com, additionally, identifies many
organizations that provide support to police officers and their family,
friends, and coworkers.
5. Make a donation to
an organization that supports law enforcement. Even if you’re not married
to a law enforcement officer or even know one personally, you can help to
support these heroes by giving to organizations that promote their mental
well-being. These organizations can offer confidential support and
interventions to law professionals experiencing mental health challenges.
By donating to a 501(c)(3) organization like
Support Police,
you’ll contribute to the purchase of life-saving equipment, important ongoing
education and training for law enforcement, and financial assistance programs
for families of officers who have lost their lives. The
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund
is another organization that brings communities together to demonstrate their
support of the law enforcement heroes.
Whether you’re a retired or current law enforcement officer,
a spouse of one, friend, or a member of the community at large, there are ways
for everyone to offer support for those who put their lives on the line for
their communities every day.
