The emotional aftermath of a traumatic event can be every bit as devastating as a physical injury

"We owe a profound debt of gratitude to first responders for the sacrifices they and their families make to ensure our safety. Coping with traumatic events while safeguarding our lives and property jeopardises their well-being but often places them in harm's way, resulting in injuries. Our tranquil, sanitised existence is made possible by their dangerous, emotionally taxing work." Dr Toni Metelerkamp

As first responders, you encounter trauma far more than the average person, making post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) an occupational hazard. According to a 2021 literature review (Bolzon & Halmasy), first responders experience PTSD at roughly twice the rate of the general Australian population. PTSD isn't about being "Booey" or having "head noises"; PTSD can happen when you do the things most people fear.

A high trauma load, along with burnout, shift work and organisational stress, means you don't work as productively as you used to, which reduces job satisfaction and leaves you with a cynical worldview. But, most importantly, it means you don't share your best self with your family. Worse still, the organisational "suck it up" culture is a barrier to reaching out.

The effects of the job can manifest in various ways, ranging from those you notice to those you are completely unaware of until you stop to notice. How you change also varies significantly between officers. Some common changes you or others might notice:

Feeling low, flat, depressed, or "the sads" The stress and demands of the job can take a toll on your mental well-being, leaving you with a dark view of the world and its people.

Sleep problems Shift work, working longer shifts or overtime, staying awake to avoid nightmares, and using alcohol to get to sleep means sleep is not as restorative as it should be. You might also wake up often and earlier than you need or want to. Ruminating on work-related thoughts in bed can also prevent you from getting to sleep and feeling rested when you wake.

Feeling anxious or on edge The ongoing pressure and unpredictability of your profession can mean your baseline anxiety is high. Constantly dealing with people in their most challenging moments can also heighten your sense of how dangerous the world is, in turn intensifying anxiety about your safety and your loved ones.

Drinking more than you know is good for you Alcohol may initially help you get to sleep or temporarily block out unpleasant thoughts. Still, alcohol also risks becoming an issue itself.

Relationship Strain The impact of the job on personal relationships is frequently overlooked. Your relationships are inevitably strained if you are emotionally distant, irritable, or unavailable.

Suicidal thinking Unfortunately, because of the heavy burden of trauma inherent in your profession, suicide is something you may have witnessed within your profession. The ultimate tragedy, more common in first responders than the general population, is a sad indictment of the cost of keeping others safe. It takes courage to reach out and talk to someone. If you are thinking about suicide, be courageous and reach out!

These feelings don't have to be something that 'just comes with the job.'

If the job impacts your ability to enjoy your work and show up in healthy ways for your family, it's worth taking a closer look. The longevity of your career depends on self-care. 

If you're seeking therapy for trauma-related difficulties, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.