Associate Jul/Aug 2014

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A s law enforcement, we are often called to deal with people reportedly suffering from PTSD . Whether it is actual or just suspected, we are often the first call family members make when they don’t know what else to do. We are also in a profession that wades through the types of trauma associated with PTSD. Many of us may have people in our own departments who are experiencing the symptoms of PTSD and not even know it. With that being the case, it is incumbent upon us to learn as much as we can to bet- ter recognize, prevent, and treat PTSD. Being a neighbor of Joint Base Lewis McChord, we found an excellent resource through the Madigan Army Medical Center’s Department of Behavioral Health graciously provided very detailed information about the causes and symptoms of PTSD. I will attempt to paraphrase here the information they provided but I strongly recommend reaching out to experts in your own areas to provide more in-depth training. I think you will find, like we did, that the experts in this field are eager to educate and share what they know. PTSD can result when a person is exposed to a traumatic event that involves the threat of death, actual death, or serious injury to themselves or others and which involved a response of intense fear or helplessness. After the traumatic event there is no set timeline for when symptoms will appear, it could be months or even years later. When they do, there are three primary categories of symptoms; re-experiencing the trauma, avoiding reminders of the trauma, and increased anxiety or emotional arousal. These symptoms persisting for more than one month are indicative of the presence of PTSD. To the individual, symptoms may present as recurring dreams or intrusive thoughts about the traumatic event, or intense psychological and physiological responses to reminders of the event. What others may see in the individuals is a diminished interest in favorite ac- tivities or general withdrawal. They may also notice sleep difficulties, irritability, trouble concentrating, or a muted range of emotions. We have all heard the plethora of news stories over the last several years that either mention the general topic of or describe someone suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These are often stories of a person who has had an emotional break and either harmed themselves or committed a crime that is attributed to PTSD. Unfortunately there are few stories that actually educate people about the true cause and effects of PTSD and even fewer stories about the many people who suffered from it, sought treatment, and overcame it. This prevalence of negative associations can only have the effect of creating and perpetrating a stereotype that is both negative and harmful to the individuals and their families dealing with true PTSD. Many may not seek treatment out of fear of being portrayed as some sort of broken monster who might snap at any minute. The truth is, true PTSD is a specific diagnosis with specific causes and is, most importantly, very treatable.

In addition to the symptoms, we can watch for risk and resiliency factors associated with PTSD that can affect the level of susceptibility to PTSD and also the ability to cope with conditions conducive to PTSD. Not surprisingly physical and psychological health before the event can have an impact. Those with a history of PTSD or depression, substance abuse, or high stress are at greater risk. Conversely, those who are in good physical health, with coping strategies in place and social support are more resilient. There are also things we as leaders can do to help build resiliency. We can provide training and education that builds confidence in the face of trau- matic events, provide peer and social support, and make options available for evaluation and treatment. In addition to keeping an eye on those around us, the example we set in how we take care of ourselves is as equally important. Maintaining our own fit- ness, both physical and psychological, participating in social activities and maintaining emotional aware- ness are critical to staving off and coping with PTSD and setting the example for others to follow. Having read through this I hope it provided a little practical insight into what PTSD really is. In reading through this, and any other literature on PTSD, you will notice that nowhere does it say that PTSD makes someone steal, lie, or commit violent crimes. It is simply a psychiatric diagnosis that can be treated and, to some extent, prevented. I will leave you with an analogy that has helped give me some measure of context to PTSD. Moving through life is like one long road trip. The adversities we face muddy the windshield and cloud our view of the world. Some choose the clean- est, safest roads they can while others, particularly those of us in the military and emergency services, choose the roughest, dirtiest roads with the under- standing that our windshields are going to be dirty and our views of the world will be obscured. Most can maintain their view, although clouded, through the grime of the road. Some of us, those with PTSD, have driven the muddiest of roads so all that can be seen is the dirt and filth of adversity. These are not monsters, nor are they irreparable. They simply need help cleaning their windshield, getting back on the road, and regaining their view of the world. About the Author: Mike Zaro began his career in Law Enforcement in January of 1994 with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department. In the fall of 2004 the City of Lakewood formed their own police department and Mike left Pierce County to help form the new de- partment. He has worked as a Patrol Deputy, Detective, Patrol Ser- geant, Professional Standards Sergeant, and has been the Assistant Chief with Lakewood P.D. since June of 2008. In addition to his official duties, Mike held the collateral positions of Union Presi- dent, Chair of the Pierce County Metro Canine oversight commit- tee, and Team Commander for Pierce County Metro SWAT. Mike holds Bachelor degrees in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Washington State University, a Master of Arts in Administrative Leadership from the University of Oklahoma, and is a graduate of the 240th session of the F.B.I. National Academy.

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