24).
Chopko (2008) explains that officers are often exposed to persons who have been injured or killed because of traffic accidents, murders, suicides and other incidents. Exposure to dead bodies has been found to be a significant psychological stressor among officers when the incident is traumatic and unexpected. Police officers report feelings of powerlessness and despair following incidents involving injury or death to children. According to the American Psychiatric Association (2013), a combination of acute stress and critical incidents or traumatic events can become a catalyst for the development of PTSD. Those suffering from PTSD struggle with symptoms of intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and changes in emotional reactions. The person may begin to avoid people and places, develop flashbacks and nightmares, become aggressive towards others and partake in self-destructive behaviour such as drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. These symptoms not only affect the individual, they affect the family as a whole. Dr. Ash Bender, medical director of the psychological trauma program at Toronto's Centre for Addiction and Mental Health reports, "PTSD has harmed families. We see higher rates of divorce, family strain and social isolation. You lose your ability to feel pleasure and love" (Casey & Rush, 2014). .
Research also suggests that there is a correlation between PTSD and suicide. According to Savoia (2014), there have been twenty-four first responder suicides from April 2014 to October 2014. Eighteen of those suicides were related to PTSD and thirteen were police officers. These statistics are alarming. .
Mark Malmin, a retired Palo Alto police officer said, "Law enforcement's subculture poses one of the most significant risks to the health and wellness of its personnel" (Changing Police Subculture, 2012). According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, stigma refers to negative, unfavourable attitudes and the behaviour they produce.
