In recent years, the conversation surrounding mental health has evolved significantly, yet certain professions still struggle to adequately address the psychological toll of their work. Among these, emergency services—paramedics, police officers, and firefighters—are particularly vulnerable. As we delve into the pressures faced by these individuals, we must acknowledge a sobering reality: the same work environment that once served to protect us can also give rise to PTSD and Complex PTSD (CPTSD).
Traditionally, CPTSD is understood to arise from childhood traumas, particularly when an individual experiences multiple traumatic events. However, recent evidence suggests that work-related stressors can lead to similar outcomes, particularly in high-stakes environments. In this blog, I will explore how the pressures inherent in emergency services can manifest as PTSD, particularly in light of recent changes in the way internal investigations are conducted.
Understanding PTSD and CPTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. CPTSD, a more complex form of PTSD, often results from prolonged exposure to trauma, typically involving repeated experiences of distress.
While many people associate PTSD primarily with military service or childhood trauma, the emotional scars inflicted by the daily grind in emergency services cannot be understated. Each call, each incident, can chip away at an individual’s mental resilience, leading to a gradual accumulation of trauma that can ultimately culminate in PTSD or CPTSD.
The Pressure Cooker Environment of Emergency Services
Emergency service personnel are no strangers to high-stress situations. The nature of their work often requires them to respond to life-threatening emergencies on a daily basis. The physical and emotional demands of this job can create a pressure cooker environment, leaving little room for officers to decompress after a particularly traumatic incident.
Consider the firefighter who rushes into a blazing building to save lives or the police officer who arrives at the scene of a violent crime. Each experience leaves its mark, but as services cut staff, and the amount of traumatising jobs increases, there is no time to decompress, but on to the next call that can be just as mentally challenging, often without the time or support needed to process the emotional aftermath. When there is no space to breathe and reflect, the cumulative weight of these experiences can become unbearable, leading to significant mental health challenges.
The Impact of Internal Investigations
In recent years, the procedures surrounding internal investigations within emergency services have come under scrutiny. While accountability is vital, the current approach often exacerbates feelings of isolation and frustration among officers being investigated. These investigations can take an agonising three to five years to resolve, further adding to the stress of being placed on suspension or restricted duties. The allegations may not have a victim or may originate from sources that are outright lying to discredit the officers.
When faced with an internal inquiry, many officers find themselves in a seemingly never-ending cycle of restrictions and paperwork, feeling as though their voices are not being heard. This lack of transparency and support can lead to further psychological distress, especially for those already grappling with the emotional fallout from their work.
Parallels to Domestic Violence Dynamics
The dynamics of internal investigations can mirror those found in domestic violence situations. In both cases, individuals may feel coerced into compliance, stripped of their agency and voice. Emergency service workers may find themselves in a position where their values are disregarded, and they are forced to acquiesce to a system that does not prioritise their wellbeing.
The mental toll of these experiences can be profound. Just as victims of domestic violence may experience feelings of helplessness and isolation, officers facing internal investigations can feel similarly trapped. This disempowerment can lead to a cascade of mental health issues, compounding the original trauma of their work. I have met too many officers waiting for a result to their complaint, struggling and being diagnosed with PTSD, and as it drags out for so long, PTSD not only impacts their lives but the lives of families and friends who don’t understand how a system can have such an impact on their loved ones’ mental health.
The Role of Accountability
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and internal investigations are essential components of ensuring accountability within emergency services. However, the lack of genuine accountability and transparency often leads to a perception (or reality) that officers are being unfairly treated. Many feel that the system is rigged against them, which can exacerbate feelings of frustration and isolation.
Internal investigation units, such as the Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS), are often viewed as unapproachable. Officers under investigation may struggle to get answers or support, leaving them feeling abandoned by the very institution they serve. This eroded trust can significantly impact mental health, leaving officers to grapple with the belief that they are being “stitched up.”
Creating a Supportive Environment
To combat the hidden crisis of PTSD in emergency services, we must advocate for more supportive environments. This includes not only providing access to mental health resources but also re-evaluating the procedures surrounding internal investigations.
Having served, I understand the unique challenges that come with it, and I offer my support to any colleague going through this process or suffering from stress, anxiety, PTSD, or CPTSD. There are excellent support services available, including Trojan Wellbeing and PTSD999, along with many other indivduals, that can provide assistance and guidance to those in need. The initial realisation that “I am not the only one” is a great revelation; the fact they are part of a broken system, it’s not personal; it’s just not fit for purpose!
With the exodus of police officers at the moment, surely we want to keep as much experience as possible. When these officers are found to have no case to answer, the mental stress they have been through leaves a scar, and they no longer want to serve. Additionally, there never seems to be any recourse for the unfounded allegations after years of upheaval and waste of time and money.
Emergency services must implement practices that promote fairness and transparency, allowing officers to feel heard and respected during the investigation process. Encouraging open dialogue about mental health, as well as providing regular opportunities for decompression, can significantly improve the overall wellbeing of personnel.
Conclusion
As we shine a light on the hidden PTSD crisis within emergency services, we must acknowledge the unique challenges faced by these dedicated individuals. Officers, firefighters, and paramedics are not just professionals; they are human beings—mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, husbands, and wives—drawn from the communities they serve. They strive every day to protect and assist others, often at the expense of their own mental health. The pressures of their work, combined with inadequate support systems, can lead to devastating consequences for their wellbeing. By advocating for changes that prioritise officer wellbeing and encouraging open dialogue, we can work towards creating a more supportive environment for those who serve our communities.
If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD or CPTSD, I encourage you to reach out for support. At CPTSDrelief.co.uk, we offer resources and guidance to help you on your journey towards healing. Remember, you are not alone, and there is help available.