Stigma is not only the primary reason for law enforcement officers not to seek psychological treatment, but it is also the biggest reason for the general public (Soomro & Yanos, 2018). This stigma applies to an individual’s mental health and their beliefs on other mental health. In a national study on stigma in America, a majority said they would befriend someone who has a mental illness, but almost 70% of respondents stated they were unwilling to have someone with a mental disorder marry into their family, and 60% were reluctant to work with someone suffering from a mental illness (Haecker, 2017). These statistics are why people wait, on average, eight to ten years after they experience symptoms to receive mental health services (Heyman et al., 2018).
Stigma and shame are arguably the most enormous hurdles between police officers and mental health services, although other barriers include work schedules, access to service providers, and cost of services (Heyman et al., 2018). The police culture has a significant influence on officers seeking mental health assistance, as many fear getting help will affect their career by being demoted, ostracized, distrusted, or even fired (Gibson, 2020). Many officers who would benefit from mental health assistance do not seek help, leaving them without viable coping mechanisms for fear of being labeled (Haecker, 2017). These stigmas also prevent officers from regaining their mental health, increase the risk of physical and psychological injuries (Gibson, 2020). When police departments don’t create a culture of openness and encourage the officer to speak openly about mental health issues and suicide, it perpetuates the stigma that mental health issues and suicidal thoughts are signs of weakness and not cries for help (US DOJ, 2017).
Studies show police officers who work in supportive environments normalized mental health symptoms, experienced fewer stress symptoms, and were more accepting to seek mental health resources (Cuadro, 2019). Officers’ perception of their agency supporting the use of mental health services has an enormous impact on the officers’ likelihood of using the services. Officers will also be more likely to use mental health resources if they do not perceive there is a stigma attached to using the services, and their confidentiality will be maintained (Copenhaver & Tewksbury, 2018). One study which interviewed police officers reported the creation of peer-support programs with credible team members made the officers feel more comfortable seeking help (Milliard, 2020).