Living with Post-traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI): The Power of Storytelling to Encourage Help-Seeking Barriers

Police officers are exposed to various traumatic events in their line of duty, which can have lasting psychological effects such as post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI). PTSI can cause intrusive memories, avoidance, negative mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions that interfere with daily functioning and quality of life. However, many police officers do not seek professional help due to stigma, lack of awareness, or fear of re-traumatization and negative consequences. PTSI can impair their functioning and well-being and increase the risk of suicide. This paper explores, using my personal lived experience with PTSI, how storytelling can be a powerful tool to encourage help seeking among police officers with PTSI. Storytelling can provide a safe and supportive space for police officers to share their experiences, emotions, and challenges with others who can relate and empathize. Storytelling can also increase awareness, understanding, and acceptance of PTSI among police officers and their families, peers, and supervisors. Storytelling can foster a sense of belonging, hope, and resilience among police officers with PTSI and motivate them to seek appropriate treatment and support.