Shifting barriers: Destigmatizing posttraumatic stress injuries among first responders and other public safety personnel

A growing body of research highlights the ways that frequent exposure to trauma can negatively impact the mental health of first responders and other public safety personnel, and contribute to the development of operational, or posttraumatic stress injuries (PTSI). Recent data suggests that approximately 44.5% of Canadian public safety personnel screen positive for one or more mental health disorders – with 23.2% of those PSP screening positive for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Despite the relatively high proportion of mental health injury experienced by PSP, stigma can present a significant barrier to treatment-seeking and organizational culture change around mental health. The pressure to maintain an image of strength can be high within PSP professions, and the stigma of mental health injury can have differential impacts across sectors. Perpetuated institutionally, stigma can negatively influence organizational policies and practices. Interpersonally, stigma can increase avoidance and mistrust of those who report mental health injury. Additionally, individuals can self-stigmatize with negative beliefs around mental health that impede their own help-seeking.

In support of PTSD Awareness Month, CIPSRT presents a panel discussion on the impacts of posttraumatic stress injuries, PTSD, and the ongoing challenge that stigma poses to mental health and wellbeing among PSP.

June 6, 2024.