PTSD article in Herald

[Unregistered]

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/loc...236647813.html

Pretty good article. After a career here, and all the nasty things I’ve seen or investigated, I’m surprised I’m not more screwed up. It makes me wonder though... can you get PTSD just from constant exposure to poor supervisors/administration? I kid you not, the only thing I worry about when I come to work is being subjected to more arrogant/condescending/micromanagement by people who don’t have a clue. THATs what depresses me and makes me sit on the edge of the bed for 10 minutes when I wake up.

[Unregistered]

You sound like a millennial snowflake.

[Unregistered]

You sound like a millennial snowflake.

I wish lol. And if you don’t get what I’m sayin’ then you havn’t really done this job. Come back when you know a little something.

[Unregistered]

I wish lol. And if you don’t get what I’m sayin’ then you havn’t really done this job. Come back when you know a little something.

He’s assigned to the PBA. Stahl likes to use the world snowflake

[Unregistered]

He’s assigned to the PBA. Stahl likes to use the world snowflake

Yes, of course. I’m the President of the United States. Estupido!

[Unregistered]

He’s assigned to the PBA. Stahl likes to use the world snowflake

Stahl derangement syndrome raising its head again

[Unregistered]

Buddy, you need help. This infatuation with Stahl is pathetic. Go phone a friend.

[Unregistered]

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/loc...236647813.html

Pretty good article. After a career here, and all the nasty things I’ve seen or investigated, I’m surprised I’m not more screwed up. It makes me wonder though... can you get PTSD just from constant exposure to poor supervisors/administration? I kid you not, the only thing I worry about when I come to work is being subjected to more arrogant/condescending/micromanagement by people who don’t have a clue. THATs what depresses me and makes me sit on the edge of the bed for 10 minutes when I wake up.

That was one of my issues. I had to leave a unit after I got into with the clique that took over. When I went to a new unit I was constantly looking over my shoulder worried I was going to piss someone off and get transferred. I would drive home and think of everything that I did/said and worry what I could get in trouble for. Sounds crazy but yeah. It’s what started me down my path. And I was one of the most competent investigators in the unit lol and here I am worried about getting booted. I’ve never been in some crazy shooting or anything but after 20+ years the deaths, the despair, etc takes a toll. Talking helps. To a friend, spouse, or a professional. Just don’t keep it locked up inside until it ruins your life.

PS please let’s keep the union and other crap off this thread. This is a very serious topic and I don’t want someone who needs help to read this and feel like they will be made fun of or something. It took me several years to seek help and my life is so much better. I’m a better spouse and parent to my kids.

[Unregistered]

That was one of my issues. I had to leave a unit after I got into with the clique that took over. When I went to a new unit I was constantly looking over my shoulder worried I was going to piss someone off and get transferred. I would drive home and think of everything that I did/said and worry what I could get in trouble for. Sounds crazy but yeah. It’s what started me down my path. And I was one of the most competent investigators in the unit lol and here I am worried about getting booted. I’ve never been in some crazy shooting or anything but after 20+ years the deaths, the despair, etc takes a toll. Talking helps. To a friend, spouse, or a professional. Just don’t keep it locked up inside until it ruins your life.

PS please let’s keep the union and other crap off this thread. This is a very serious topic and I don’t want someone who needs help to read this and feel like they will be made fun of or something. It took me several years to seek help and my life is so much better. I’m a better spouse and parent to my kids.

You can absolutely get PTSD from a toxic work environment. Do some research and you’ll see that a large number of suicides among active duty military happen among members who aren’t even serving in combat roles.
“Smoking” subordinates and making their life hell does a lot of damage. Any time I’ve been in a 5hitty workplace environment, whether it’s been a supervisor that wants to get rid of me to invite their clique or a fellow officer who hates you for kicking a55 and making them “look bad🤣” these things can be just as destructive or even more so than nasty stuff we deal with on any scene or from using force.
It’s because we don’t expect the people we work with to behave like Scumbags. We expect our base or station to be a place of safety, protection and brotherhood, not another combat zone. Dealing with people who hate you and then going to your station to get more 5hit can make an officer/soldier/agent (whatever) feel stressed, trapped and isolated. Add other triggers like depression and you’ve got a time bomb waiting to go off.
So, you can be a tough supervisor without being cruel. You can be a highly motivated officer without looking down on others who don’t share your level of motivation. You can try to get ahead in your career without being a backstabbing hypocrite.
Help those people along if they’re willing. Maybe they’ve never had the chance to prove themselves.
Instead of talking more 5hit, be a leader. Take control. Stop being in high school.
If we treat one another with respect and appreciation and express ourselves in a positive manner you’d be surprised what a positive effect this can have on the individual and the overall work environment.
Build each other up. We are police officers and that still means something to me, anyways. Let the subjects and the dirtbags of the world be who they are. Let them be the ones who disrespect themselves and their surroundings. Give them what they got coming to them. Handcuffs. A ride. Even a fight if that’s what he wants. Draw a very clear line between how you treat criminals as opposed to the way you treat your brothers or sisters in brown.
Smile. Joke around, have a little fun and do a great job you can be proud of. That’s all anyone can ask. This is the most interesting job in the world, hands down.
And take a long look in the mirror if you are that mole or that piece of 5hit supervisor going around making some officer’s Or subordinate’s life hell. Your 33 don’t got your back. Beweeeeeve that. We do. I do.
That’s the long answer. PTSD can totally result from nasty work environments. I’ve seen officers so whacked out they’re afraid of their own shadow from ignorant micromanagement and being undermined by their supposed squadmates.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, if you have physical reactions to negative thoughts, if your mind is invaded by flashbacks or images, seek help. You’ve got company, believe me. You’re definitely not alone. The copay for the psychologist in your network is $40. A funeral is gonna set your family back upwards of $10,000, and that’s on the cheap end. Do the math.

[Unregistered]

the bottoms line is this, if you are having an issue, seek help. The department has a resource that most other departments do not have. They have added staff and they are getting more proactive in reaching out to us. We need to remove the stigma that it’s something to be embarrassed about or ashamed off. We have one of the highest stress jobs and it takes a toll on us physically and mentally. I can attest there is nothing wrong with going. They have great staff and they care. Nothing has happened to me career wise. I am in the same spot which is a pretty cushy place. Get the help if needed. Don’t ruin you career or your family when it could be fixed before it gets out of hand. Take care of each other and stay safe