Perceptions of seeking professional mental health support among public safety personnel: Understanding barriers and facilitators for police and firefighters

Abstract

Public safety personnel (PSP), including police officers and firefighters, face significant risks of psychological issues due to exposure to traumatic events at work. Nevertheless, obstacles hinder seeking support. Understanding barriers and facilitators is crucial for tailoring interventions, to narrow the gap between need and action in seeking professional mental health support. The aim of this study is to provide a qualitative analysis of perceptions regarding seeking professional mental health support after being exposed to traumatic events at work in these two groups of PSP and identify potential differences between them. Based on 62 participants’ interviews (30 police officers and 32 firefighters), our findings informed us about current barriers to seek professional support as well as potential facilitators in police and firefighters’ organizations in the Quebec province of Canada. Six main themes were identified as barriers to seeking professional support among these PSP: opposing professional culture, accessibility issues, peer judgment, internalized stigma, prioritization of other coping strategies, and lack of self-awareness. Four main themes were identified that could facilitate the call for professional mental health support: organizational commitment, tailored resources, specific training, and peer-normalized attitudes. Some differences were found between the two occupational groups. Identifying barriers and proposing solutions assist organizations in supporting their employees’ mental health, while acknowledging potential differences between occupational groups that underscores the need for tailored support strategies.