Police officers are trained to help others. However, they may find it hard to ask for help themselves. Stress, trauma, loss, long shifts, and difficult calls can build over time.
Sometimes, a fellow officer may begin to struggle.
Supporting a fellow officer in crisis can make a real difference. Do not need to be a therapist. Do not need to have all the answers. You simply need to notice, listen, care, and help them connect with support.
Know the Signs
Changes in a fellow officer may be easy to miss. In fact, some officers continue to work while hiding how much they are struggling.
Pay attention when something feels different.
Warning signs may include:
- Pulling away from coworkers, friends, or family
- Increased anger or irritability
- Major changes in mood
- Changes in sleep or eating
- Increased alcohol or substance use
- Risky behavior
- Trouble focusing or making decisions
- Giving away personal items
- Talking about feeling hopeless or trapped
- Talking about death or suicide
One sign does not always mean there is a crisis. Still, several changes together may be a reason to check in.
Start the Conversation
You do not need perfect words.
Find a private place to talk. Then, be direct but kind.
You might say, “You haven’t seemed like yourself lately. How are you doing?”
After that, listen.
Give them time to answer. Do not rush to fix the problem. Instead, let them know you care.
A simple conversation may open the door to help.
Listen Without Judgment
Officers may stay silent because they fear being judged. They may also worry about their career or how other officers will see them.
Therefore, your response matters.
Listen without making jokes about mental health. Do not tell them to “toughen up.” Also, avoid comparing their pain to someone else’s.
Instead, take their concerns seriously.
Remind them that asking for help is not weakness. Getting support can be an important step toward feeling better.
Help Them Connect With Support
You can offer to help your fellow officer find support.
Depending on their needs, support may include a peer support team, Employee Assistance Program, chaplain, counselor, or licensed mental health professional.
You can also offer to sit with them while they make a call. Sometimes, taking that first step is easier when someone is beside you.
Most importantly, keep checking in.
One conversation should not be the end of your support.
When the Situation Is Urgent
Take any talk about suicide or self-harm seriously.
If an officer says they want to die, has a suicide plan, or appears to be in immediate danger, act right away. Do not leave them alone.
Get emergency or crisis support.
Safety comes first.
Keep Looking Out for Each Other
Police work creates bonds that few people outside the profession fully understand. Those bonds can become an important source of support during hard times.
Invite a fellow officer for coffee. Take a walk. Send a message. Ask how they are doing again.
Small actions matter.
Supporting a fellow officer in crisis begins with noticing. Then, it continues with listening, caring, and staying connected.
We protect our communities. We can protect each other, too.
