Stressors in Police Work

STRESS MANAGEMENT IN LAW

ENFORCEMENT (S.M.I.L.E) General Classification
1. External stressors (stemming from
THREE MAIN REASONS WHY WE RESPOND the criminal justice system and society at
DIFFERENTLY :
large)
1. We perceive things differently.
> frustration with the
2. We do not have the same resources
Philippine Judicial System
for each situation.
3. We have our own way of dealing with
> lack of consideration by
stress. courts in scheduling officers court appearance
> lack of public support
Stress > negative or distorted media
- the non-specific response of the body to any coverage
> officers’ dislike of
demand placed upon it.
administrative decisions
2. Internal stressors (stemming from
- any interference that disturbs a person’s
the policies and practices of the police
mental and physical well-being. organization).
> policies and procedures that
Types of Stress are offensive
1. Eustress – positive stress > poor or inadequate training
- (pleasant, curative) and inadequate career development
opportunities
2. Distress – negative stress > lack of identity and
- (unpleasant, disease producing) recognition
Stressor > poor economic benefits and
- a situation that causes tension working conditions
> excessive paperwork
- any environmental event that causes an > inconsistent discipline
automatic nervous system response. > perceived favoritism

Police Stress - refers to negative stress that is

related to an individual’s job as
a police officer.

Job Stress - the condition in which some factor

or combination of factors
that intersects with the worker to
disrupt his psychological and
physiological equilibrium.

Defense mechanisms- protective mechanisms

whenever the integrity
of the self or ego is threatened.

Burn-out – a state of total mental, emotional

and physical exhaustion,
characterized by changed attitudes
towards work colleagues
and crisis victims.

Flame-out – a preventable and treatable

conditions which occurs
when the need for periodic rest, food,
exercise and relaxation
is overlook or ignored.
Management GENERAL ADAPTATION SYNDROME
- the act or art of managing stress
Stress Management Dr Hans Selye - in his book, The Stress of Life,
The process of acquiring and practicing a proposed a “general adaptation syndrome” to
variety of cognitive and behavioral techniques describe the incapacitating effects of negative
with the goal of coping stress. stress. The syndrome involves three distinct
stages in individuals who are exposed to a wide
Causes of Stress variety of environmental threats or “stressors”.
1. Death of loved one
2. Family problem
3. Loss of a job
4. Work overload
5. Increase in financial obligations
6. Getting married
7. Moving to a new house
8. Emotional Problems
9. Traumatic events
10. Violence

Effects of Stress
Personal Life Stress Management Techniques to be Used
1. Alcohol Abuse
2. Drug Abuse Techniques that you select depend on
the cause of the stress and the situation in which
3. Emotional Instability
the stress occurs. In choosing methods to combat
4. Fatigue stress, it is worth asking yourself where the stress
5. Marital Problems comes from.
6. Depression .
7. Insomia
8. Insecurity Counter Stress Programs
9. Anxiety of the PNP
10. Psychomatic Disorder
11. Eating Disorder 1. Physical Wellness Program
12. Boredom (BMI/Sports)
13. Mental Illness 2. Emotional Wellness Program (GC)
14. Suicide 3. Mental Wellness Program
15. Health Breakdown (Training/Seminars)
16. Irresponsibility 4. Spiritual Wellness Program
(Religious Activities)
5. Others

Department of Health
Sandosenang “S” Iwas Stress
1. Scheduling
2. siesta
3. sports
4. spirituality
5. sound/songs
6. sensation techniques
7. speak to me
8. self-awareness
9. stress debriefing
10.stress reduction
relaxation
exercises
According to research, there are 70% to
11. socials
80% of hospital visits are patients with 12. smile
stress related illnesses.
Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress
1. Re-Balance Work and Home

2. Build in regular exercise

3. Eat a balanced diet

4. Limit alcohol and stimulants
5. Connect with supportive people
6. Carve out hobby time
7. Practice Meditation/Yoga
8. Get enough sleep
9. Take a vacation
10. Arts and Music
11. Save for the future
12. See a counsellor, coach or therapist