An overview of the current concerns regarding police officer mental health and interventions in place to address these
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70386/ijcpe.v1i1.15Keywords:
Mental Health, Wellbeing, organisational justiceAbstract
The mental health and wellbeing of police officers in the UK is currently a keenly discussed topic, with evidence suggesting that an increasing number of officers are succumbing to ailments such as stress, depression, anxiety, and PTSD among others. It also remains perhaps a hidden epidemic, with various cultural stigmas existing that dissuade officers from revealing the true natire and extent of any mental health concerns, for fear of repurcussions or becoming ostracised. This paper presents an overview of the current concerns and causes surrounding adverse police officer mental health, before moving on to explore current and potential means to help prevent, overcome, and support them within the police workforce. It concludes that organisational stressors are just as important a contributory factor as traumatic experiences and that there is evidence that stigma surrounding seeking help and support is gradually being eroded, but there is still more to be done.
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