Peer support
A unique chaplaincy partnership reveals the similar storms police and EMS professionals weather
Make mental health a priority to strengthen your personnel’s resilience
It threatens lives and inhibits performance – here’s what to do about it
When implemented effectively, a peer support program can be one of the best resources for first responders to access help
COPS Office report outlines shortfall of departments in providing adequate mental health resources officers feel comfortable accessing
Training, mental health resources are essential to support first responders facing both the opioid crisis and COVID-19 outbreak
A meditation room, therapy dog and heart rate variability tools are all part of a peer support program designed to improve employee wellness
An FOP survey found that 90% of officers believe there is still a stigma that prevents cops from seeking help for emotional or behavioral health issues
Treatment is available to help responders struggling with mental health disorders and substance use
From police officers to firefighters, studies show that suicide continues to outpace other causes of death for first responders
2018 was the third straight year that suicides occurred in greater number than duty deaths
New publication addresses rebuilding resiliency among officers and what it means to get professional counseling
Jim and Doug discuss the warning signs of a colleague potentially approaching crisis, as well as available resources for officers to get the help they need
Federal, state and private funding sources are available for peer support and other mental health and wellness programs within your agency
Peer support is not a silver bullet to solve all the problems today’s law enforcement officers face, but it is an effective way of getting help to officers in need
The support that can come from the officer’s primary relationship can be especially impactful
As with many trends, PTSD awareness can spawn some misguided efforts that fail to fully address the issues
The physiological responses that occur during a shooting incident are widely known, but what goes through an officer’s mind after pulling the trigger is hard to predict
Few agencies are making significant efforts to prevent the loss of lives and productivity resulting from stress injury to the body
The misconception that traumatic reactions and thoughts of suicide are indicative of mental illness must change
Officer Patrick Shaver and his wife interviewed nearly 100 police officers involved in shootings for the documentary
After interviewing surviving officers, I’ve learned that sometimes they are deemed or perceived as burdens, not heroes
Taking note of early signs and providing realistic interventions is critical to preventing future suicides
Suicide touches all demographics and the aftermath touches many lives
Officers train together to manage violence, discuss the latest tactics and have a commitment to ensure they all go home, but rarely discuss their mental health
Jim and Doug discuss the ways in which top-quality peer support programs can be built and maintained
If your agency does not have a plan in place to help an officer in crisis, the following six tips can provide some basic assistance
A focused question can confront a person with an integrity issue that may be interfering with his wellbeing, his career, and his (and perhaps your) safety
