Simple Self-Care Methods for Law Enforcement Personnel to Address Anxiety, Stress, Depression and PTSD - NEW

• In Event: Promoting Police Officer Health and Wellness

Abstract

A)OBJECTIVE: Law enforcement personnel, are subject to higher levels of stress, anxiety, depression and PTSD than civilians, often leading to long-term mental and behavioral health issues. Numerous authoritative law enforcement organizations have recognized and promoted the need to address these issues. There are many easy-to-learn, evidenced-based practices, scientifically proven to reduce the long-term effects of stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
B) DATA/METHODS: This session will offer archival and current research from a wide variety of national, international, state, and local criminal justice and law enforcement organizations, in addition to psychological, behavioral, and academic reports detailing the prevalence of anxiety, stress, depression, and PTSD, in law enforcement, along with simple self-care methods for positively addressing the effects of such conditions.
C)RESULTS: Additional data will be presented on the wide variety of practical programs that have been proven to work for individuals in law enforcement.
D) CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Participants will come away with an understanding of why law enforcement personnel are prone to these difficulties, and methods for addressing them so that those involved with policy-making decisions will be better equipped to create more solution-based outcomes.

Author

• Gene Ira Katz, Positive Pathways / Colorado Technical University