Worries That My Career As A Cop May Be Jeopardised

[DevilDogCop]

Hello to all,

I will try to be as brief and provide as much information that I can in order to get some good feedback.

I am a member of the United States Marine Corps Reserves, and have 2 combat tours under my belt. I am also a Police Officer and not until recently I decided to seek professional help. Being told that I have PTSD has made my days full of deep thoughts and worries. I am most worried about my career as a cop. The past week I have been driving myself crazy asking if my job should be informed of this (Going through the VA for help). I am scared that my job will let me go, and then I am scared that if I do not tell my job and God forbid one day I get into a shooting on or off duty and they then find out that I have PTSD and will not provide me with representation,fire me, etc.

Does anyone know if this can even be possible? For the most part I am a go getter at work and have always received great compliments from bosses and co-workers. I am just scared that I may loose something that I have tried so hard to get into and honestly love doing.

I don't experience flashbacks or more of the common war symptoms but I am always on guard, find myself wanting to be alone and away from civilisation. Any cop's/civilians on here that can provide me with info will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance to all who reply.

 

[Farine]

I wanted to welcome you to the forum! I'm not a cop or a marine. I'm new here too. I really think this is an excellent forum and I do think you'll have some insight from posting here!

 

[anni]

Hi,

I'm not an officer, and probably don't have the specific information you require but am certain that if you give it a little time someone from your service background will be able to give you some answers. You sound as if you're functioning perfectly well in your job, and since my way-too-long series of traumas included frequent save-my-life interventions by the police I'm a little predjudiced on their behalf! My favorite uncle was also a lifer in the Marines. I thought I'd just post and say hello, and contribute what little I know which might be useful.

I do know that PTSD is not a mental illness, so please do not think you will be stigmatized in that way. It's also considered manageable so perhaps that is the criteria used when ascertaining one's ability to remain in a certain career.

There's an awful lot of information here, both in the library and in the old threads. I'd hate to see you worry yourself too badly, and sometimes you can uncover old queries which exactly match something one is concerned about at the moment. I'm fairly certain someone who 'knows' will answer you with some good solid facts soon, so do keep checking back. Some members don't log in frequently, so perhaps give it some time if something doesn't show up today.

In the meantime, please do take care,

Anni

 

[Music girl]

Devildog,

Good luck. I'm just another PTSD sufferer. I fear that my experiences will catch me off guard some day and I'll loose my job. I'm a school teacher and I am so upset about my nightmares last night that I'm taking some prep time to take care of me. I am afraid that if I get caught I will be fired. My flashbacks are horrific and my abuse started over 30 years ago. I'm still not over it. I do have to say thank you. It was officers in my county and our justice system that FINALLY put this guy behind bars and held him accountable 30 years later. He started his jail sentence March 15th.

My best move was finding a psychologist that I was able to develop a good relationship with. Don't be afraid to visit a few people and choose what works best for you.

Best wishes,
Ana

 

[TLight]

I don't get the statement by Anni that PTSD is not a mental illness. I tried to PM but it didn't work. In the US, it is considered a mental illness in the diagnostic manual...so I'm confused.
Sorry to hyjack thread, but I understand your concern over your job. If you've been diagnosed, you have a disabling condition. I'd be concerned about your job finding out also.

That being said. You are in a noble profession and I thank you for it. If it were me, being a cop and having CPTSD would definately NOT mix. The hypervigilance alone would probably make me (speaking for me) trigger happy. Plus the coexisting rage and anger issues would definately make me not suitable for that position.

I encourage you to be very careful about the moves you make. But on the other hand, it is so important for you to get help......

Employers cannot discriminate against people with mental or physical disabilities. I would take the time to talk to an employment attorney before proceeding much further. Seems he or she would be better able to answer your questions.

 

[Deleted member 541]

I don't get the statement by Anni that PTSD is not a mental illness.

My understanding is that PTSD is an anxiety disorder, but I could be wrong.....

 

[Inouk]

Hi DevilDog,

I am not an officer therefore I am not in a position to advise you on telling or not telling. But before you do tell, should it be your decision, may I suggest you consult both the ADA (American with Disabilities Act) website and or call the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission to ask questions on how to approach this, if you need to declare your PTSD (as a cop) and the kind of legal «protection» against potential discrimination you would have. I understand that PTSD is covered under the ADA as long as you have an official diagnosis from your health care provider.

This being said, my partner was able to complete 20 years of full time service in the Canadian Forces while having severe PTSD and being ill-medicated. How did he do it? His career, being his number one priority, he quickly recognised the stressers and minimised them as much as possible. He found stress relievers in kick boxing and music (he is also a musician). Although food had no taste for him (this is a PTSD symptom), he ate healthy to remain healthy. His logic and willpower helped him stir away from destructive bahavior (alcohol or drug abuse). He had his ups and down and managing his PTSD was an everyday goal. Still is today even if he is well medicated. And it is OK.

I found the same kind of willpower when reading your post DevilDog. I wish you all the best and please do gather all the information you can before exposing your PTSD.

Regards,

Inouk :-)

 

[abdicater]

Just a question why is the army does 12 to 15 month tours and the marines do 6 months? What happens the other 6 months?