Page 35 - FOP March 2017 Newsletter

difference in how PTSD is affecting male and female officers. “For men, they are drinking or self-medicat- ing because they have let it go so long. Their wives are angry. Their kids are unhappy with them. Female offi- cers are usually having anxiety, but they can’t hide be- cause they still need to do the laundry, feed the kids and do all the stuff they have to do for their families.” Board Certified Police and Public Safety Psychologist
Dr. Robin Kroll has been treating Chicago Police Officers suffering from PTSD and other mental health issues for many years, and nobody may have a better perspective on the cost of the job. She hears her patients talk about low morale creating a reduction in productivity, sup- port and unity. She hears that, in addition to the normal stressors of the job, CPD officers fear eating out because of what might be placed in their food, being followed and having their cars vandalized and being reasonably concerned about the welfare of their family members. She hears the worry about winding up on the next viral video.
“Officers wear their uniform and badge with pride, and I believe their stress stems from being stripped of that pride,” Dr. Kroll adds. “I listen to their pain when they describe a violent encounter or talk about children who were killed or raped. I also have the privilege and honor of seeing their bravery and commitment to their work. Even in the throes of controversy, they put on their uniforms and face their days with commitment.”
Manage your health
Warner suggests that the turnout at the Phoenix Ris- ing event, which representatives of the Department’s Peer Counseling services and Employee Assistance Pro- gram attended, is at least a sign that the lightbulb has gone on regarding the effects of PTSD and critical inci- dents. Perhaps that is a gateway to more substantive and standardized Department response to support officers.
“My biggest concern is that we have all these resourc- es but no firm policy for them to be deployed, no general order that spells out when there should be a debriefing,” Warner asserts. “There are general orders about how long is the lunch break or how to wear your hat. We have mandatory yearly qualifying for our weapons. Why don’t we have yearly qualifying for our mental health?”
A policy or general order, whether it be collectively bargained or collaboratively written, is one of several proposals officers, experts, clinicians and health pro- fessionals suggest to reduce the cost of the job that also include:
• Health benefits for all members guarantee a free annual physical, Kosala reminds. Officers who call Knapp before 10 a.m. can schedule a same-day ap- pointment or one within 24 hours after 10 a.m. Take advantage of this to ensure a pre-diabetes screening, she notes.
• Father Dan would like to see Department News Af- fairs send out more of its “CPD Mailbag” emails that go to members with letters of appreciation from citi- zens expressing gratitude to officers for help chang-
ing a tire or any of the other little things they do every
day to help.
• Rose Casale advocates bringing the “Survival Kit for
Police” she developed with Serve and Protect to every district as she did to the 9th District with her 6-year- old daughter Alexandra. (See story on page 36)
• Casale adds, “If something is bothering you for more than a couple of days, you need to talk to somebody about it. Go to EAP or Father Dan. See a therapist. Therapists can be like shoes. You have to try a couple to get the right fit.”
• Rob Casale recommends therapy, yoga or some kind of mindfulness to learn how to slow it down. “With ev-
CONTINUED ON PAGE 36
The Survival Kit for Police
Six-year-old Alexandra Casale helps deliver Survival Kits for Police to o cers in the 9th District.
Rose Casale of the crisis hotline “Serve and Protect” has cre- ated gift bags for Chicago Police Officers that include some treats and a note that reads, “Your community appreciates YOU!” The treats each have a message:
Lifesavers: To remind you of the many lives you have saved. Starburst: For the burst of energy you sometimes need.
M&M’s: Since you are not in law enforcement for the money or the merit.
Hershey’s Kisses: To show you that the people you serve do love you.
Gum: To help you and your family stick together.
Tootsie Rolls: To help you roll with the punches life throws
at you.
Peppermint Patties: To help you keep your cool. Snickers: To help you keep your sense of humor. Mounds: For the mounds of courage you show.
Skinny Pop: To help you pop back up when life kicks you down.
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