Experiencing the Ripple Effects of PSP’s Unprocessed Trauma

Learn about:

What is unprocessed trauma?
Signs that PSP might have unprocessed trauma
The effects of unprocessed trauma on PSP families

What is unprocessed trauma?

PSP are frequently exposed to trauma and may need time to process events that occur during a shift. When PSP transition from work to family life without adequate exit and recovery time to process their experience, they may carry unprocessed trauma. These are the “sticky bits”; an image or a series of events that occurred on-the-job that the PSP cannot stop thinking about. This unprocessed trauma can make it difficult to relax and engage in family activities. The PSP is sometimes unable to leave work behind and may be emotionally distant or irritable. This can impact couple and family relationships. PSP can be physically present but grappling with events from work which interfere with their ability to fully participate in family life.

Signs that PSP might have unprocessed trauma

Disengagement
Irritability
Anger or aggression
Hypervigilance
Substance use (alcohol, drugs)
Nightmares
Sleeping problems

The effects of unprocessed trauma on PSP families

Try: Skill-building Exercises

Discussing Trauma at Home

Supporting the Transitions to and From Work

Communicating Feelings

Need Something More?

Check out our self-directed Spouse or Significant Other Wellbeing Course.

Was this resource helpful?

Let us know your thoughts so we can improve our content for others.

Hidden

Was this helpful?

Hidden

Page

Please check all that apply

I learned some new vocabulary to describe my experience

I found what I needed

It helped me better understand my experiences as a PSP family member

It was comforting to realize that others are experiencing the same thing as me

Please check all that apply

I already knew everything

The information was too difficult or not relevant

The way the information was presented was not helpful

I didn’t see my experience in what was presented

The activities die not help me better understand the content

References for this page (click to expand)

Anderson, L. (2019). The impact of paramedic shift work on the family system: a literature review. British Paramedic Journal, 3(4), 43-43. https://doi.org/10.29045/14784726.2019.03.3.4.43

Beks, T. (2016). Walking on eggshells: the lived experience of partners of Veterans with PTSD. The Qualitative Report 21(4):645-660. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2016.2269

Cox, M., Norris, D., Cramm, H., Richmond, R., & Anderson, G. S. (2022). Public safety personnel family resilience: a narrative review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(9), 5224. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095224

O’Toole, M., Mulhall, C., & Eppich, W. (2022). Breaking down barriers to help-seeking: preparing first responders’ families for psychological first aid. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 13(1), 2065430-2065430. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2022.2065430

Porter, K. L., & Henriksen, R. C. (2016). The phenomenological experience of first responder spouses. The Family Journal (Alexandria, Va.), 24(1), 44-51. https://doi.org/10.1177/1066480715615651

Regehr, C., Dimitropoulos, G., Bright, E., George, S., & Henderson, J. (2005). Behind the brotherhood: Rewards and challenges for wives of firefighters. Family Relations, 54(3), 423-435. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-3729.2005.00328.x

Tuttle, B. M., Giano, Z., & Merten, M. J. (2018). Stress spillover in policing and negative relationship functioning for law enforcement marriages. The Family Journal (Alexandria, Va.), 26(2), 246-252. https://doi.org/10.1177/1066480718775739