Definitions
This is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive workplace stress, often leading to a cynical attitude toward work.
What is burnout?
Headaches, chronic fatigue, and frequent illnesses are common examples of this type of warning sign.
What are physical signs (of burnout or vicarious trauma)?
Getting an adequate amount of quality sleep is crucial for officer wellness, as a lack of it can lead to impaired judgment and this problem.
What is poor cognition/sleep deprivation?
EAP stands for this program, which offers confidential counseling and resources to employees.
What is the Employee Assistance Program?
True or False: Vicarious trauma only affects sworn law enforcement officers, not civilian personnel.
What is false (it affects anyone exposed to traumatic material, including dispatchers, analysts, etc.)?
This is the negative change in your worldview and emotional well-being that results from repeated, indirect exposure to other people's trauma.
What is vicarious trauma (or secondary traumatic stress)?
Feeling easily startled, hypervigilance, and difficulty concentrating are all considered symptoms in this category.
What are cognitive or arousal signs?
This healthy coping mechanism can involve activities like hobbies, spending time with family, or reading to create a "non-trauma" setting away from work.
What is setting boundaries/healthy escapes?
A positive work environment and strong colleague connections fall under this type of support, which is a major protective factor against stress.
What is organizational/peer support?
True or False: Reacting emotionally and physically to a highly stressful event is an abnormal response.
What is false (it is a normal human response)?
This "cost of caring" is a blend of burnout and secondary traumatic stress, leading to deep emotional and physical depletion.
What is compassion fatigue?
Cynicism, emotional numbness, and a general loss of motivation often point to this aspect of job-related stress.
What are emotional/behavioral signs?
After a critical incident, this process with trusted colleagues can help mitigate stress and normalize emotional reactions.
What is debriefing or peer support?
Providing this type of instruction on stress and coping is a key step for administrators to prevent issues like vicarious traumatization.
What is wellness or resilience training?
True or False: Using alcohol as a primary coping mechanism to deal with work stress is an effective and healthy strategy.
What is false (it is a negative/maladaptive coping mechanism that increases health risks)?
While burnout is a response to general work stressors, this condition is a trauma-related reaction resulting from specific exposure to graphic or highly emotional incidents involving victims.
What is the key difference between burnout and vicarious trauma?
A diminished sense of safety, questioning personal faith, or a loss of purpose can all be signs of impact on this area of well-being.
What is spiritual or worldview impact?
This is a vital professional skill, not a weakness, that involves consciously making time for physical and mental restoration.
What is self-care?
Agencies must work to reduce this issue, which makes officers less likely to seek help for mental health challenges.
What is stigma (around mental health)?
True or False: An officer who experiences trauma is guaranteed to develop a long-term condition like PTSD.
What is false (trauma exposure does not guarantee a long-term condition, especially with strong coping mechanisms)?
This concept describes positive personal changes, such as an increased appreciation for life or a stronger sense of personal strength, that can occur after experiencing a traumatic event.
What is post-traumatic growth?
Officers with a personal history of past trauma or a lack of support in the workplace are at a higher risk of developing this issue.
What are risk factors?
This simple physical activity, when done regularly, is proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall physical health.
What is exercise or physical activity?
Implementing a "buddy system" or formal debriefings after tough calls are examples of an agency proactively doing this.
What is providing effective stress intervention services?
True or False: Taking regular breaks and vacation time is an important part of professional self-care and resilience.
What is true?