Psychologist identify new PTSD trigger for first responders

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, is said to affect nearly everyone who has worked in public safety for more than a few years. While many go for years with lingering undiagnosed symptoms, others crack when the symptoms become too much.

PTSD

PTSD

Researcher Paul Encopresis, has found a new PTSD trigger. This new trigger can cause someone more stress than other conventional triggers. Many are calling this theory controversial, but many more are also see the validity in it.

This new emotional trigger, not being on the stress full calls. Meaning that responders who were off duty, or staffing a different assignment are just as likely to suffer PTSD issues as the responders who took traumatic calls.

Dr. Encopresis published his findings in the Journal of Stressful Occupations. According to his study, first responders thrive on being part of the action. “People don’t get jobs in public safety to wait around doing nothing hoping a call never comes in. First responders seek out this work so they can respond to calls.”

According to his findings, “when ever a first responder finds out they missed a particularly good call, it creates a stressor. This stress is not able to be relived due to how we view what typically triggers adverse stress that leads to PTSD issues.”

In his paper Dr. Encopresis explains how talking about experiences helps most responders cope. But when someone misses a call they have nothing to talk about, yet they still have a stress.

“When they miss calls, responders feel inadequate compared to peers who were on the call. This inadequacy builds; it starts to affect them both on and off duty. These responders then wonder if they are good enough to wear the uniform, and question their own actions. Miss enough of the legendary calls at an agency will lead a responder to into depression.”

When asked about treatment options for “missed call stress” Dr. Encopresis said his research has not gotten that far yet.

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A Special note from the Editor…
While this story is for entertainment, PTSD is very real for many of our brothers and sisters in Public Safety.

If you or someone you know needs help with PTSD please seek help. Reach out to the people at Safe Call Now, or any local health care options you have!

Thanks
~RJ

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The staff at the CallTheCops are all people who now or at one time did work as police, firefighters, in EMS and even dispatch.