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Law enforcement officers are charged with the task of serving and protecting citizens and creating a safe environment for everyone in their communities. Being a police officer can be rewarding, but it also comes with high demands and exposure to trauma. Over time, this can take a severe toll on the officer’s mental health.
What are the Mental Health Challenges in Law Enforcement?
Unfortunately, the mental health of those in law enforcement is often overlooked. As a result, police officers report relatively high rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder compared to those in the general population. They’re significantly more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty, and about a quarter of officers have considered suicide at some point during their careers. Despite the negative impact their job has on their mental health, fewer than 20 percent of law enforcement officers with mental health issues seek professional help.
On top of the job-related challenges police officers face, there are instances in which workplace culture and politics can further exacerbate mental health issues. Police officers don’t always feel empowered to seek treatment for illnesses such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety, and in some cases, they may worry that pursuing treatment could negatively impact their careers. Education about the prevalence of mental illnesses among law enforcement officers as well as the resources available to them can give officers the tools they need to seek help.