“It doesn’t leave your head. Ever. Smelling the smells, feeling everything, seeing everything.” — “The Shift That Never Ended: Stories of Resilience”
Officer wellness and resilience have long been central topics on Police1, reflecting a commitment to addressing the challenges faced by law enforcement. Having been part of Police1 for over 15 years, I’ve seen trauma and mental health discussed here more extensively than in any other law enforcement publication. “The Shift That Never Ended: Stories of Resilience” continues this important conversation, making it a must-watch and share for anyone in the field.
The unseen weight of trauma
This 50-minute FBI production spotlights mass casualty events — Pulse Nightclub, Sandy Hook and Route 91 Las Vegas — but its scope extends far beyond these tragedies. By including interviews with fire, EMS, dispatchers, medical personnel and counselors, the documentary underscores the universal and cumulative effects of trauma across all emergency services.
Many responders struggle to put into words the horrors they’ve witnessed. “It’s something no one should see,” one reflected. Another recalled thinking, “Holy cow, this is happening.” There’s no illusion of mere “secondary trauma.” As one firefighter recalled “I didn’t get hurt, but I was dying inside.”
The video addresses the need for leaders to normalize and provide access to wellness services that include trauma therapy. The shift needs to be from considering PTSD and related conditions as a mental health problem and reframing it more accurately as a duty-related injury, since research shows the physiological changes that occur from acute or cumulative trauma.
Breaking through the stigma of seeking help
The overwhelming nature of such events often drives responders to withdraw from those around them. “I didn’t feel like I had anything in common with people who hadn’t been there,” one shared. In an effort to shield loved ones from the pain of their experiences, many responders unintentionally create distance, fueled by silence and a lack of awareness about how trauma has altered their habits, behaviors, and personalities
“We didn’t get into this job to get help, but to help others.” This sentiment, shared by a counselor, underscores the challenge many first responders face in recognizing their own trauma. Trained to spot signs of trauma in others, she admitted it took her time to see it in herself. “It’s my job to recognize it,” she said, “but the self-awareness took time. It will catch up to you — and that’s OK.”
Seeking support remains hindered by the stigma of weakness. “We’re great at helping others; we suck at helping ourselves,” one police leader remarked. “It’s hard to notice our own changes.”
In the documentary, Dr. David Black, president of Lexipol Wellness Solutions, highlights the resilience of first responders: “These are courageous, resilient people who pick up the torch and say, ‘I will serve my community in that capacity.’” However, he added, “If you are that tough and that resilient to begin with, it’s going to take a while for the trauma, the stress, and the effects of the job to stack up.” This delay often masks the need for help until the weight becomes overwhelming.
A recurring theme among survivors is the unexpected and lasting impact of traumatic events. One first responder described operating on autopilot during and after a crisis, only to wake up later to the sound of gunfire — a vivid auditory hallucination. A responder from Sandy Hook shared how the trauma followed him into his sleep, with persistent nightmares of dead children hiding in his bedroom. “The sadness finally caught up with me,” admitted a firefighter, reflecting the delayed emotional toll many experience. For some, staying busy at work provides a temporary refuge, as the constant demands of running calls leave little room for confronting their own thoughts.
Guilt is a pervasive emotion among first responders. Thoughts like “We should have been able to stop that” and “I deserved to feel bad” often weigh heavily on their minds. Some struggle with the belief that their presence brings unhappiness to their loved ones, leading to heartbreaking sentiments such as, “If I could die, everybody around me could be happy.” Survivors also wrestle with survivor’s guilt, asking, “Why am I one of the lucky ones who got to make it home?” These feelings add to the invisible burden responders carry long after the crisis has passed.
Suicidal thoughts are an all-too-common reality for first responders. The video reveals that one in twelve emergency workers contemplates suicide each year — a sobering statistic that underscores the urgency of addressing mental health.
Does therapy help? The answer is yes, though the effectiveness varies depending on the individual and the type of support provided. Dr. Black notes that while incident debriefings can be beneficial in some cases, they can also be ineffective or even harmful in others. He highlights an additional challenge: the same psychologist who conducted an officer’s hiring evaluation — where they needed to demonstrate resilience and emotional soundness — might later be the one they must admit to when they are struggling.
Peer support as a path to recovery
To better support responders, agencies are encouraged to normalize seeking help and develop diverse wellness networks tailored to individual needs. Creating a culture where reaching out is seen as a strength, not a weakness, is essential to ensuring first responders receive the care they deserve.
Peers play a vital role in recognizing when a colleague is struggling. Changes in personality, declining work performance, neglect of self-care and noticeable drops in energy levels are red flags that co-workers should be prepared to spot. When these signs emerge, it’s crucial to step in, offer support, and guide the individual toward resources and a recovery plan.
With nearly half of first responders meeting some criteria for PTSD, the need for peer intervention and support is greater than ever. Those who have taken the step toward recovery often encourage others to follow suit, with one survivor describing it as “the bravest thing you might ever do.” Peer support can be a lifeline, helping break the stigma and opening the door to healing.
A call to action
“The Shift That Never Ended” is more than a documentary — it’s a wake-up call for agencies to prioritize the health and resilience of their responders. By reframing trauma as a duty-related injury and fostering a culture that values wellness, law enforcement leaders can empower their teams to navigate the challenges of this demanding profession.
For first responders and their families, this documentary offers validation, hope and a roadmap for healing. Watch it, share it and join the conversation about building a culture of resilience.
Questions to ask after watching “The Shift That Never Ended”
- How does our agency currently address trauma among first responders, and are our wellness programs sufficient to meet the diverse needs of our personnel?
- What steps can we take to normalize seeking help for mental health challenges and reduce the stigma associated with vulnerability among our team?
- Are we providing accessible resources, such as peer support networks or trauma-informed therapists, that align with the unique needs of our first responders?
- How can we train supervisors and peers to recognize early signs of trauma and effectively intervene to support struggling colleagues?
- What policies or practices can we implement to ensure that PTSD and related conditions are treated as duty-related injuries rather than personal shortcomings?
How does your agency measure up when it comes to wellness? Lexipol’s Wellness solutions help agencies deliver anonymous, 24/7 support, enhance peer support team readiness, and build a culture of wellness. Contact Lexipol at 844-312-9500 to learn more or request a demo.
