Police Officers and PTSD: Signs and Symptoms & Therapy Options

Being a police officer often means facing intense and dangerous situations. Over time, this can take a toll on a person’s mental health. PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is a mental health condition that many officers experience due to experiencing trauma. It's not a sign of weakness—it's a natural response to overwhelming stress.

Let’s explore how PTSD affects police officers and what can help.

Signs and Symptoms of PTSD in Police Officers

Police officers with PTSD may experience a variety of symptoms, and they don’t always show up right away. Some common signs include:

• Flashbacks or nightmares of traumatic events

• Feeling constantly on edge or easily startled

• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

• Avoiding people or situations that remind them of the trauma

• Mood swings, irritability, or outbursts of anger

• Feeling numb or disconnected from others

These symptoms can affect an officer’s ability to do their job. But more importantly, it can make life outside of work difficult. If these feelings last for more than a month and interfere with daily life, it’s important to reach out for help.

Prevalence of PTSD in Police Officers

PTSD is significantly more common in police officers compared to the general population. Research suggests that around 15-30% of police officers experience PTSD at some point in their careers. Whereas the rate in the general population is closer to 7-8%.

This higher prevalence is due to the frequent exposure to traumatic events that officers face. Whether it's responding to accidents, violent crimes, or dangerous situations. While most people may encounter a handful of traumatic experiences in their lifetime. Police officers can experience dozens, if not hundreds, throughout their careers. This constant exposure to trauma increases their risk of developing PTSD. This highlights the need for greater awareness and early intervention. It also highlights the importance of accessible mental health support within law enforcement.

In addition to experiencing multiple traumas, police officers also deal with duty-related stressors. This means that it may be difficult to cope with workplace traumas and increase their chances of developing PTSD.

Duty-Related Stressors

The daily life of a police officer is filled with stressors that most people will never experience. These aren’t just the big, obvious events like shootings or car chases. There are many subtle, ongoing stressors that build up over time, such as:

• Witnessing violence or death. Officers often arrive at scenes where people have been hurt or killed. Over time, these sights can take a toll.

• High-pressure decision-making. Split-second decisions with life-or-death consequences create constant stress.

• Personal safety. The ever-present danger of being harmed on the job keeps officers on high alert, even off duty.

• Public scrutiny. Officers are often subject to public criticism or media attention, which can add stress to an already challenging job.

• Shift work. Long hours, irregular schedules, and lack of sleep all add to the emotional and physical strain officers face.

All of these stressors add up over time. The cumulative effect can lead to PTSD or other mental health challenges if left unaddressed.

How Do Police Officers Deal with Trauma?

Many police officers learn to push through the trauma, thinking it’s part of the job. They may rely on coping strategies like humour, distraction, or trying to tough it out. While these methods might help in the short term, they don’t heal the deeper wounds that trauma can leave behind.

Some officers might turn to alcohol, drugs, or other risky behaviours as a way to numb the pain. Unfortunately, these ways of coping can make things worse in the long run. It can also lead to strained relationships, burnout, or even job loss.

The truth is that PTSD doesn’t always go away on its own. You may need to ask for help from a qualified professional.

Evidence-Based Therapies for PTSD

When it comes to treating PTSD in police officers, evidence-based therapies are the gold standard. Researchers have extensively studied these treatments. In other words, studies prove that they show real results in helping individuals recover from trauma. Some of the most effective therapies include:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

CBT helps individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns related to their trauma. It’s one of the most common and effective treatments for PTSD. By challenging these harmful beliefs, officers can begin to process the trauma and reduce its emotional impact.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE).

PE encourages people to gradually face the memories, situations, and feelings they’ve been avoiding since their trauma. Through repeated exposure, the distress associated with the trauma decreases over time. Some people describe the therapy process as "desensitizing" themselves to their past trauma. It helps officers regain control over their lives.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).

CPT helps individuals understand and reframe how they think about their trauma. It focuses on identifying "stuck points," or unhelpful thoughts related to the trauma. By challenging these beliefs, officers can reduce the emotional hold the trauma has on them. They can also gain new perspectives and see their past trauma in a new way.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

This therapy uses guided eye movements to help the brain process and heal from traumatic memories. EMDR is particularly helpful for individuals who feel stuck in the cycle of reliving their trauma. EMDR assists in reducing the emotional charge connected to painful memories.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT).

TF-CBT combines traditional cognitive behavioural techniques with a focus on trauma recovery. It’s often used for those who have experienced multiple traumas. This therapy helps police officers develop coping strategies. It also helps to address the root cause of their distress.

Medication for PTSD.

In some cases, medication may help manage PTSD symptoms. Medications are often used alongside therapy to help balance mood and reduce severe anxiety or depression. Make an appointment with your family doctor (or a psychiatrist) if you wish to discuss medication.

Each person’s journey to healing is unique, and it’s essential to find a therapy that feels right. Experienced PTSD therapists can offer tailored support and guidance throughout the recovery process.

At Virtual CBT Psychotherapy, we offer all these therapy options. Learn more about our trauma therapies and therapists. Book a free consultation to learn how we can help. If you are an OPP officer (Ontario Provincial Police), we have several therapists who are psychologists and social workers. We work with OPP officers regularly!

Coping with Trauma for Police Officers

In addition to therapy, there are ways officers can cope with the stress of trauma:

• Exercise. Physical activity can help release built-up tension and reduce stress.

• Mindfulness and Meditation. These techniques can help officers stay grounded in the present moment and manage overwhelming emotions.

• Connection with Loved Ones. Support from friends and family can make a world of difference in recovery.

• Healthy Routines. Simple habits like getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying hydrated can help regulate mood and energy levels.

It’s important for officers to know they’re not alone in their struggles. Reaching out for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength.

If you or someone you know is a police officer dealing with trauma or PTSD, remember that help is available. Healing is possible, and no one has to go through it alone.

Can I Still Have PTSD If I Am a Retired Police Officer?

Yes, PTSD doesn’t go away just because you’ve retired. In fact, for some retired officers, symptoms may only surface after they’ve left the force. During active duty, officers may be in “survival mode,” pushing down emotions just to get through the day. Once they retire and slow down, those suppressed feelings can start to emerge.

Retirement can also create a sense of loss or isolation, making it harder to cope with past traumas. If you’re a retired officer experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, or other symptoms, it’s important to seek help. Just like active officers, retired officers can benefit from therapy, support groups, and healthy coping strategies to manage PTSD.

Remember, it’s never too late to start the healing process.

Book a Free Consultation with a Trauma Therapist

At Virtual CBT Psychotherapy, we have a variety of trauma experts to choose from (including social workers, registered psychotherapists and psychologists).

Did you know that we offer all the mentioned therapies at our clinic? Our Clinic Directors will help you choose the right therapy.

Click the button below to book a free consultation.