In this profound episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, Coach Ashlie Walton and Detective Walton delve deep into the often-ignored realm of trauma as experienced by police officers. Drawing from the seminal work "Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma," they shed light on a haunting truth: Trauma, especially in high-stakes professions like law enforcement, remains one of the most underestimated and unaddressed sources of pain and disruption.
In Waking the Tiger and Healing Trauma, it says: "Trauma is perhaps the most avoided, ignored, belittled, denied, misunderstood and untreated cause of human suffering. We enter this alter state, let us call it 'survival mode,' when we perceive that our lives are being threatened. If we are overwhelmed by the threat and are unable to successfully defend ourselves, we can become stuck in survival mode. This highly aroused state is designed solely to enable short-term defensive actions; but left untreated over time, it begins to form the symptoms of trauma. These symptoms can invade every aspect of our lives."
For police officers, confronting danger and potential threats is part of the job. Yet, while the body and mind are wired to enter a "survival mode" to tackle immediate threats, this heightened state isn't sustainable. It's a short-term solution that can become a long-term problem if officers remain stuck in this mode, leading to the debilitating symptoms of trauma.
But why is recognizing and addressing this so crucial?
Performance and Decision-Making: Officers operating under sustained survival mode may find their decision-making skills impaired, potentially affecting performance and judgment in critical situations.
Mental Health: Prolonged exposure to trauma without treatment can lead to anxiety, depression, PTSD, and a myriad of other mental health issues.
Personal Relationships: Stuck in a constantly alert state can strain personal relationships, leading to emotional detachment and heightened conflict.
Physical Well-being: Chronic stress and trauma can manifest in physical ailments, from heart conditions to insomnia.
So, what can officers do? Awareness is the first step. Recognize the signs. Reach out. Understand that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but of strength. Lean on supportive networks, be it family, peers, or professionals. And most crucially, know that healing is possible. By embracing avenues of therapy, counseling, or simply talking it out, officers can reclaim their mental peace and professional efficacy.
Join Coach Ashlie and Detective Walton as they unravel the intricacies of trauma within the police force, advocating for awareness, understanding, and healing – ensuring our protectors are protected.
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