How lifelong exposure to trauma impacts careers in law enforcement.
Many times in media we are quick to identify a shooting, whether it was of an officer or an individual with/without a weapon. The media has pushed this concept that police officers abuse power based on what stories have made headlines etc. Interestingly enough, it appears that we are wrong in judgment of another individual’s career, especially if we have never endured what they have in order to be where they are today.
What I am referring to is exposure to trauma at either a young age, or throughout the course of their childhood. Law enforcement in itself has a daunting resume of various trauma which can be faced in an individual’s tenure. It is however, how one deals with those traumas which allows them to either be successful or tarnish their career. In my research paper I discussed how an individual who grew up in a supportive household, typically would have an ability to have post-traumatic growth as opposed to their counterpart. The reason being is they are supported, both physically and mentally, but have also strengthened their identity of self and can understand the traumas they have faced. It is those who have endured trauma, and potentially pushed away their feelings or issues, who seem to suffer in the long run.
Throughout the course of this class, I was able to understand that help in the forms of psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and various forms of self-care can help an individual perform at their highest level. Unfortunately, we live in a society where there is a negative stereotype surrounding mental health, and it is that same stereotype which hinders the growth of those who have suffered, or are suffering. If the stigmas are erased, people do not feel judged, and people do not feel judged, they will be more comfortable to get the help they need.