Unresolved mental health trauma: The languishing of public safety and public health professionals: A call to action

Paul E. Petersen

doi:10.5055/jem.0807

Authors

Paul E. Petersen, PharmD, MPH, CEM https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2941-3447

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.0807

Keywords:

mental health trauma, public safety, public health professionals

Abstract

The collective awareness and acknowledgment of mental health challenges affecting all of us across our society is a trend that can inform targeted future interventions. Mental health conditions have only worsened during the past three years, secondary to the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic.

Author Biography

Paul E. Petersen, PharmD, MPH, CEM

Director, Emergency Preparedness Program, Tennessee Department of Health, Nashville, Tennessee

References

Greenwood K, Anas J: It’s a New Era for Mental Health at Work. Harvard Business Review. 2021. Available at https://hbr.org/2021/10/its-a-new-era-for-mental-health-at-work. Accessed April 15, 2023.

SAMHSA: Disaster Technical Assistance Center Supplemental Research Bulletin. First Responders: Behavioral Health Concerns, Emergency Response, and Trauma. 2018. Available at https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/dtac/supplementalresearchbulletin-firstresponders-may2018.pdf. Accessed April 15, 2023.

Bryant-Genevier J, Rao CY, Lopes-Cardozo B, et al.: Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Suicidal Ideation Among State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Public Health Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic— United States, March–April 2021. MMWR. 2021; 70(48): 1680–1685. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7048a6.htm?s_cid=mm7048a6_w. Accessed April 15, 2023.

Koné A, Horter L, Thomas I, et al.: Symptoms of Mental Health Conditions and Suicidal Ideation Among State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Public Health Workers--United States, March 14–25, 2022. MMWR. 2022; 71(29): 925-930. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/pdfs/mm7129a4-H.pdf. Accessed April 15, 2023.

CDC: Mental Health in the Workplace. 2018. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/tools-resources/workplace-health/mental-health/index.html. Accessed April 15, 2023.

National Council for Mental Wellbeing. 2022. Available at https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/courses/?utm_source=report&utm_medium=landing_page&utm_campaign=2022_annual_report. Accessed April 15, 2023.

Ollove M: The Pandemic Has Devastated the Mental Health of Public Health Workers. Stateline. The Pew Charitable Trust. 2021. Available at https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-andanalysis/blogs/stateline/2021/08/05/the-pandemic-has-devastated-the-mental-health-of-public-health-workers. Accessed April 15, 2023.

CDC. Healthcare Workers: Work Stress & Mental Health. 2022. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/healthcare/workstress.html. Accessed April 15, 2023.