Simple, Proven Strategies for Officers Coping With PTSD - Ryan Randolph
Police officers are constantly exposed to traumatic events. It's part of the job. And while they are trained to deal with these situations, they can still take an emotional toll. That's why it's so important to have a support system in place to cope with the stress and trauma of the job. Here are some tips from the Jane McGill Counseling that have helped other officers deal with PTSD:
Read about PTSD
Learning as much as possible about PTSD is the first step to better understanding the condition and how it affects people. There are some excellent books out there on the subject, such as:
These books will help you understand what PTSD is, how it develops, and how it can be treated. You might benefit from reviewing scientific studies too, which offer in-depth research into the condition in various settings.
Keep in mind that you'll probably notice pieces in different formats when researching. If you run across a study and want to convert it to your preferred format, use a simple online tool. For instance, you can convert a PDF to view it on your Kindle.
Maintain Important Relationships
Officers must maintain their close relationships with family and friends. These people will be there when they're most needed. They can provide us with the love and support we need to overcome difficult times. Be vigilant about spending quality time with your loved ones, and make time to see or talk to your closest friends.
Moving back to a familiar place can provide an excellent opportunity to reconnect with former classmates. It can be a chance to reminisce about old times, catch up on life events, and potentially rekindle valuable friendships. An online school database can be instrumental in this process, allowing you to look up and reach out to your old peers. This could be through a school's alumni association website or a social media group dedicated to your graduating class. Remember to approach this process with respect for people's privacy and openness to the changes that have likely occurred over time. Reconnecting with old friends can add a comforting sense of familiarity and community to your move back home.
Join a Support Group
There are many excellent support groups for police officers dealing with PTSD. Talking to other officers who have been through similar experiences can prove invaluable on your journey. It can also help you feel less alone in your struggles.
Focus on Stress Reduction
Stress reduction is crucial for individuals dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can often lead to overwhelming feelings of anxiety, anger, and fear, making it difficult for individuals to manage their emotions effectively. Through stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and physical activities like yoga, individuals with PTSD can lower their stress levels, promoting a sense of calm and helping them to better cope with their symptoms.
Research has shown that combining stress reduction techniques with other PTSD treatments, such as therapy and medication, can lead to more positive and long-lasting outcomes for those struggling with the disorder.
Get a Fresh Start
Moving to a new location can often be a significant step towards finding a fresh start, especially for individuals living with PTSD. The change of environment can provide a break from triggers that might cause retraumatization and offer a chance for new beginnings. Searching online for a place to rent initially can be a practical approach. This allows you to experience living in the new area without making a permanent commitment immediately. Over time, as you become more comfortable and certain about the location, you can then consider finding something more permanent.
Meet With a Therapist
Therapists can provide us with vital tools for coping with PTSD. They can help you process our trauma safely and healthily, and every officer could benefit from meeting with a therapist at least once a year (if not more often). Research online, ask for referrals and speak with several therapists until you find someone you connect with.
Eat Well and Exercise
Taking care of your physical health is essential for dealing with PTSD, meaning you must ensure that you're eating healthy foods and staying active. Exercise is especially important because it releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting properties. A consistent fitness routine can also help you get better sleep at night.
Pick Up a Hobby
Doing something we enjoy outside of work can help relieve stress and give you a sense of satisfaction. Think of a hobby you've always wanted to try or a childhood activity you've wanted to revisit. It can be anything from playing a musical instrument to hiking to painting. Whatever it is, it should be something that brings you joy. Find a hobby that helps you cope, and do it at least once a week.
Get the Care and Support You Need
Traumatic events are part of policing. But that doesn't lessen the emotional toll they take on your mind and body. It's essential to have a support system in place to help you cope with the stress and trauma of the job. By reading about PTSD, maintaining important relationships, joining a support group, meeting with a therapist, and establishing a healthy routine, you can deal with your PTSD effectively and learn how to help others along the way.
For a trauma informed approach to therapy which aligns well with my therapy style that focuses on relationship building first, contact Jane McGill Counseling today!
Read about PTSD
Learning as much as possible about PTSD is the first step to better understanding the condition and how it affects people. There are some excellent books out there on the subject, such as:
- The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
- Trauma and Recovery by Judith Herman
- The Invisible Wounds of War by Terence M. Keane and Stephen J. Cozza
These books will help you understand what PTSD is, how it develops, and how it can be treated. You might benefit from reviewing scientific studies too, which offer in-depth research into the condition in various settings.
Keep in mind that you'll probably notice pieces in different formats when researching. If you run across a study and want to convert it to your preferred format, use a simple online tool. For instance, you can convert a PDF to view it on your Kindle.
Maintain Important Relationships
Officers must maintain their close relationships with family and friends. These people will be there when they're most needed. They can provide us with the love and support we need to overcome difficult times. Be vigilant about spending quality time with your loved ones, and make time to see or talk to your closest friends.
Moving back to a familiar place can provide an excellent opportunity to reconnect with former classmates. It can be a chance to reminisce about old times, catch up on life events, and potentially rekindle valuable friendships. An online school database can be instrumental in this process, allowing you to look up and reach out to your old peers. This could be through a school's alumni association website or a social media group dedicated to your graduating class. Remember to approach this process with respect for people's privacy and openness to the changes that have likely occurred over time. Reconnecting with old friends can add a comforting sense of familiarity and community to your move back home.
Join a Support Group
There are many excellent support groups for police officers dealing with PTSD. Talking to other officers who have been through similar experiences can prove invaluable on your journey. It can also help you feel less alone in your struggles.
Focus on Stress Reduction
Stress reduction is crucial for individuals dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can often lead to overwhelming feelings of anxiety, anger, and fear, making it difficult for individuals to manage their emotions effectively. Through stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and physical activities like yoga, individuals with PTSD can lower their stress levels, promoting a sense of calm and helping them to better cope with their symptoms.
Research has shown that combining stress reduction techniques with other PTSD treatments, such as therapy and medication, can lead to more positive and long-lasting outcomes for those struggling with the disorder.
Get a Fresh Start
Moving to a new location can often be a significant step towards finding a fresh start, especially for individuals living with PTSD. The change of environment can provide a break from triggers that might cause retraumatization and offer a chance for new beginnings. Searching online for a place to rent initially can be a practical approach. This allows you to experience living in the new area without making a permanent commitment immediately. Over time, as you become more comfortable and certain about the location, you can then consider finding something more permanent.
Meet With a Therapist
Therapists can provide us with vital tools for coping with PTSD. They can help you process our trauma safely and healthily, and every officer could benefit from meeting with a therapist at least once a year (if not more often). Research online, ask for referrals and speak with several therapists until you find someone you connect with.
Eat Well and Exercise
Taking care of your physical health is essential for dealing with PTSD, meaning you must ensure that you're eating healthy foods and staying active. Exercise is especially important because it releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting properties. A consistent fitness routine can also help you get better sleep at night.
Pick Up a Hobby
Doing something we enjoy outside of work can help relieve stress and give you a sense of satisfaction. Think of a hobby you've always wanted to try or a childhood activity you've wanted to revisit. It can be anything from playing a musical instrument to hiking to painting. Whatever it is, it should be something that brings you joy. Find a hobby that helps you cope, and do it at least once a week.
Get the Care and Support You Need
Traumatic events are part of policing. But that doesn't lessen the emotional toll they take on your mind and body. It's essential to have a support system in place to help you cope with the stress and trauma of the job. By reading about PTSD, maintaining important relationships, joining a support group, meeting with a therapist, and establishing a healthy routine, you can deal with your PTSD effectively and learn how to help others along the way.
For a trauma informed approach to therapy which aligns well with my therapy style that focuses on relationship building first, contact Jane McGill Counseling today!
