Stress, Trauma, and Related Conditions in Military, First Responders, Healthcare Professionals and their Families
A wealth of literature has focused on the psychosocial determinants of health and well-being in military and first responder populations. A focus has been placed on these populations as they are often at an increased risk for exposures to adverse and/or traumatic incidents through the nature of their occupational roles. Therefore, they are also at an increased risk of developing adverse posttraumatic mental ill health outcomes. In the context of the COVID19 pandemic, we can see first-hand that our health care professionals, police, and military all work the frontline. Therefore, they are putting themselves at risk to protect and care for others. This may result in a great deal of concern and stress for the families who remain at home. However, within the academic literature less attention has been given to the impact that caring for a loved one whose occupation puts them at risk has on families. Military, first responders, and healthcare professionals often work in environments which are fast paced, may require long and sometimes unexpected hours, and which may place them in direct danger. This can disrupt family schedules, upset children, and cause worry and distress in spouses and partners. When psychological difficulties present due to occupational traumas, the directly exposed person may experience postrauma reactions that affect not only their own wellbeing but also the wellbeing of their families. It is essential that we understand stress, trauma, and related conditions in Military, First Responders, Healthcare professionals, and their Families to allow us to tailor interventions, support packages, and treatment protocols to best meet the needs of those who protect and care for us, when we as trauma professionals need to protect and care for them.
Edited by
Professor Cherie Armour(Queens University Belfast, UK)