Confidential: Police Helpline Is a Safe Resource
It’s not easy under any circumstances to talk about the specifics of trauma. It’s the nature of mental health disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); simply recalling the event can be enough to cause significant difficulty, much less getting into the details of the experience with someone else.
Even though it may seem counterintuitive, spending time processing the past can help you to work through the emotions they trigger and give you the ability to create new associations, perspectives, and behaviors that are connected to your experience that are positive and even helpful to your ability to function.
So where should you go to talk about what you are dealing with every day and how best to address the situation?
First Things First
The first step to accomplishing this goal is to recognize that the symptoms you are experiencing are normal among first responders who experience trauma regularly on the job. That’s no small feat. Many have internalized the stigma against those who struggle with mental health disorders, the old-school view that it signified weakness or a lack of ability to manage the job. That view is dated, misinformed, and harmful. Even so, few people want to admit that they are living with mental health symptoms that will require treatment and won’t simply pass on their own with time.
Take Action
The next step in managing any disruptive mental health and/or substance abuse issues is to do something about it — more specifically, to talk to someone about what you are facing. There’s no need to rush into anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. Instead, start with a confidential call to Police Helpline and talk to someone privately. No identifying information is taken, and the service is open to both retired and active first responders — emergency medical care professionals, dispatchers, fire fighters, and law enforcement.
Callers are free to talk about any issues they are facing that may be causing them stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, including:
· Anxiety or depression that is disrupting the ability to function, experience joy and hope, or simply enjoy life
· Substance abuse and/or addiction issues
· Nightmares, mood swings, angry outbursts, panic attacks, avoidance, numbness, and other potential signs of PTSD
· Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
· Relationship problems at home, including divorce and relationships with children
· Problems on the job, including social issues with coworkers, fears, and other common difficulties
The Freedom to Make Changes
No matter what you are experiencing right now and no matter how permanent it may feel, you do not have to continue to feel like this forever. Research tells us that treatment, therapeutic intervention, peer and community support, and in some cases, medication can be the key to overcoming disruptive mental health symptoms and rebuilding a more solid and stable life. When you call Police Helpline, ask about the options in treatment and support that are available to you and how you can take a step forward in learning how to manage the issues you are dealing with today.
This article was originally published by James E. Morrison, retired Chicago Police Officer and Employee Assistance Program Treatment Consultant for Law Enforcement at American Addiction Centers, on LinkedIn.
