Public servant total suicides are higher than the total number of police officers shot on duty annually, according to USA Today article.

‘Silence can be deadly’

46 Officers were fatally shot last year in 2017

140 Officers committed suicide

Link to stats

PTSD is Real… time to speak Up

With a shortage of public servants, (police, fire, and corrections), and the increase of losing more to suicide, it’s time something more was done. It’s time for Police, Corrections, and Fire departments to address officer wellness in order to help their officers reach the end of their career, with a healthy body and mind.

Let’s address the following areas and help our public servants deal with PTSD, depression, and stress.

I. Know the four types of PTSD symptoms:

1. Reliving the event (re-experiencing symptoms)

Memories of the traumatic event can come back at any time. You may feel the same fear and horror you did when the event took place. For example:

1. You may have nightmares.
2. You may feel like you are going through the event again. This is called a flashback.
3. You may see, hear, or smell something that causes you to relive the event. This is called a trigger. News reports, seeing an accident, or hearing a car backfire are examples of triggers.

2. Avoiding situations that remind you of the event

You may try to avoid situations or people that trigger memories of the traumatic event. You may even avoid talking or thinking about the event. For example:

1. You may avoid crowds, because they feel dangerous.
2. You may avoid driving if you were in a car accident
3. If you were in an tragic event, you may avoid watching movies similar to your tragic event.
4. You may keep very busy or avoid seeking help because it keeps you from having to think or talk about the event.

3. Negative changes in beliefs and feelings

The way you think about yourself and others changes because of the trauma. This symptom has many aspects, including:

1. You may not have positive or loving feelings toward other people and may stay away from relationships.
2. You may forget about parts of the traumatic event or not be able to talk about them.
3. You may think the world is completely dangerous, and no one can be trusted.
4. Feeling keyed up (also called hyperarousal)

4. Feeling keyed up (hyperarousal)

You may be jittery, or always alert and on the lookout for danger. You might suddenly become angry or irritable. This is known as hyperarousal. For example:

1. You may have a hard time sleeping.
2. You may have trouble concentrating.
3. You may be startled by a loud noise or surprise.
4. You might want to have your back to a wall in a restaurant or waiting room.

Data info Link

II. Emotional Intelligence De-stress Training and Tools

1. Teach Emotional Intelligence Awareness to officers and help officer explore how they are feeling
2. Giving EI Tools to each officer provides a constant reminder to work on

Your emotions. Part of releasing stress and PTSD events starts first with understanding what you are feeling.

III. Provide Mindfulness PTSD Energy Release Techniques

Giving each officer some simple to use energy release techniques help the officer elevate negative, stressful, and traumatic events in their lives.

Whether they are at home or work, giving them some helpful meditation exercises will help them relieve stress, handle their emotions better, and reduce PTSD.

RITE Academy focuses first on officer wellness and helping every officer. You cannot strengthen the department or community relationships without first helping each and every officer.

Click on the Officers holding the LADDERS for Events

About

RITE Training helps officers deal with PTSD by improving communication, helping them talk at work and at home. Unique RITE Tools with EI & SI builds Career resiliency, improves Department morale, and mitigates risk. Check EVENTS page for a training near you, or become a Host site! Contact