Both the frequency and severity of exposure to critical incidents are essential factors in the likelihood of developing PTSD. Research suggests that police officers exhibit higher rates of PTSD than the general population, with estimates of prevalence between 7% and 19%, according to the Illinois government Office of Justice Programs.
For Justin Hesse: “I started my career as a police officer in 2015. I was excited to help people when they were in the most trouble. As I started to work the job, I realized how job stress can change an officer's perspective of life, mood, and overall health. I used exercise and nutrition to relieve stress, but many officers neglected their lifestyle and fitness. In January 2020, my department had its annual Use of Force training. Our training officer, who was a part of the Peer Support Team, showed us two statistics that surprised me. In 2019, there were 151 line-of-duty deaths, ranging from gunfire, automobile crashes, being struck by vehicles, and heart attacks. In that same year, there were 239 "reported" suicides. The term "reported" is in quotes because the number could be much higher, but suicides may go unreported to avoid the stigma that surrounds suicide. Officers train their entire careers to avoid being killed on duty, yet officers are more likely to take their own lives. Law Enforcement Officers also lead most professional statistics with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, sleep deprivation, obesity, PTSD, and divorce. With the increasing challenges from a lack of social support, negative media attention, and political changes, I feared the statistics surrounding an officer's well-being would only worsen. I knew from my experience that a healthy lifestyle and fitness can help my physical and, more importantly, my mental and emotional health. I have a passion for fitness, and I wanted to share my passion with a profession that I respect and admire the most.”
Follow: @JustinHesse
Email justin@blueline-fitness.com
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