Police officers face unique challenges in their profession, both mentally and physically. Unfortunately, law enforcement mental health issues are very real and common.
Police Leadership Perspectives on Wellness and Resilience
I reached out to police leaders and clinicians, who offered their valuable insights on the importance of wellness and resilience for law enforcement officers. Chief Perrotte notes, “I find it crucial for Officers to recognize the importance of what they’re doing out there every day. I have told Officers to reflect on why they started and think of who will be there to do what they do if it’s not them. If it was my family, would I want myself responding or someone else? The empathy, compassion, and level of service I provide should be a source of inspiration to others” (Darin Perrotte, Chief of Police, Village of Saranac Lake, NY, personal communication, February 21, 2025).
Cultural stigma surrounding mental health
Police studies found that the stigma surrounding mental health within police culture and other public safety personnel, directly hindered help-seeking behavior among first responders. However, this dynamic is shifting, thanks to leaders personally sharing the importance of well-being. Leaders are ensuring wellness policies are enforced and assist officers in recognizing the importance of their personal well-being goals beyond their responsibilities in law enforcement. Chief Smith points out, “The most important lesson I’ve learned in law enforcement is that it’s ok to chase your goals, just take care of yourself along the way. Be mindful of your health and stay grounded in family and friends outside of work” (Patrick D. Smith, Chief of Police, Lakewood, Washington, personal communication, February 24, 2025).
Likewise, Captain Ehret maintains, “In a leadership position, I try to have personal conversations with officers. By letting them know I am genuinely interested in their well-being at work and at home I believe it makes it easier to break down the stigma walls that exist. I also share my story of dealing with the same issues over the last 27 years. I explain how seeking help on my own was the catalyst for starting the healing process. Nowadays we should be doing everything possible to improve the well-being of our police officers” (Captain Todd J. Ehret, Hamburg, NY, personal communication, February 25, 2025). Focusing on fitness and nurturing mental resilience remains essential for well-being. Chief Hughes emphasizes, “Prioritizing physical fitness isn’t just about staying in shape—it’s a crucial tool for managing stress, processing trauma, and maintaining mental resilience in law enforcement. A strong body supports a strong mind, helping officers navigate job demands on and off duty” (Scott Hughes, Chief of Police, Hamilton Township, OH, personal communication, February 24, 2025).
Utilize strengths to ease burdens
Sometimes, all it takes is a conversation with one trusted person who can acknowledge your efforts and remind you that you are more than the burden of your role. Chief Rodriguez clearly and thoughtfully notes, “Find at least one person who truly sees you the way you are, not just the badge, and let them remind you that you’re more than the weight you carry” (Heriberto Rodriguez, Chief of Police, City of Kempner, TX, personal communication, February 23, 2025). It’s crucial to consider how to alleviate one’s burdens by utilizing their strengths. For example, Deputy Chief of Police Chastain calls attention to something he lives by, “Strength is not just in carrying burdens, but in finding ways to release them” (Christopher Chastain, Deputy Chief of Police, City of Aventura FL, personal communication, February 23, 2025).
Kammie Juzwin, Police/First Responder Psychologist notes, “Taking one’s inventory and doing their own status checks daily is as important as doing so with their gear. Acknowledging impact incurred as a part of their role, is not the same as “being weak” or any other negative self-judgment. Acknowledge the need to address and attempt to mitigate that impact – to stay at the optimal level of management and health. It isn’t ‘if’ you are impacted, it is ‘how’ and to what extent, and have a plan to address that impact” (Kammie Juzwin, Police/First Responder Psychologist/Clinical Psychologist, personal communication, February 25, 2025). LEOs must take charge of what they can control. Chief Assad, Jr. highlights, “Control what you can control. Always remember, only you can control your own actions, not others” (Michael Assad Jr., Chief of Police, Rochester Police Department, Rochester, Massachusetts, personal communication, February 22, 2025).
Tips for LEOs
Dr. Marla W. Friedman, clinical/first responder psychologist, offers these 10 tips for law enforcement officers:
- Have an ongoing relationship with a licensed and experienced mental health professional who specializes in treating LEOs.
- Continue setting goals for your mental and emotional health.
- Protect what little time you have with those you love.
- Give yourself permission to indulge in something (once in a while) that is good for you but might be out of your usual spending range.
- Keep and nurture relationships and interactions with people outside of the first responder world.
- Think about and slowly prepare for a future career or job.
- If you like animals and can adequately care for them, get one.
- When stressed imagine the eyes of someone you know loves you unconditionally. This releases oxytocin and allows for an immediate relaxation response.
- Remove toxic relationships from your life or limit the amount of time devoted to them.
- If you are an introvert don’t force yourself to try and become an extrovert. It’s not necessary, not possible and introversion is a good thing (Dr. Marla W. Friedman, clinical/first responder psychologist, past Director, Badge of Life, Trauma and Suicide prevention specialist, personal communication, February 26, 2025).
Takeaways
The takeaways from the insights shared emphasize that seeking help or therapy is not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Leaders must be open about their struggles as it fosters connection. Prioritizing self-care, speaking up when you’re not okay, taking control, and utilizing your strengths to cope with vicarious trauma are crucial steps. My father died by suicide after retiring as a police sergeant with twenty years of service. My mother dedicated thirty years to her career as a policewoman. To learn more about wellness, check out my book, Living Blue: Helping law enforcement and their families survive and thrive from recruitment to retirement, that I co-authored with Jason Palamara.
