Both the body and nervous system have evolved over the millennia to create adaptive responses to stress. One of these mechanisms is emotional detachment in the face of stress or trauma. A Science Direct article by Kristin Klimley, Vincent Van Hasselt, and Ashley Stripling indicates that “over 80% of first responders report experiencing trauma while in the line of duty”. The article can be referenced here for additional reading. This blog post will explore how emotional detachment among first responders is adaptative, at first, and then can cause disastrous consequences later in life.
What is Emotional Detachment?
Simply put, emotional detachment is one of the ways human beings cope with overwhelming amounts of stress or trauma. Given that first responders experience heightened levels of both stress and exposure to trauma, emotional detachment is an adaptive in-the-moment response. It allows for the first responder to continue with their job and duties without being impacted by emotional responses. This response works very well in the short-term but can have negative consequences later in life.
Causes of Emotional Detachment Among First Responders
Emotional detachment is a way human beings compartmentalize or chunk certain memories or situations away to process and address later. Typically, this occurs because the nervous system senses a specific situation is too significant to manage in the moment. The body quickly responds unconsciously to the stressor at hand. Again, this response has been honed and developed through centuries of evolution. This response allows for an individual to continue their involvement in selected activities or work.
Many people experience stress or trauma, notice that it doesn’t impact them, and then move on. However, it takes time to feel and notice how a recent traumatic event impacts the body.
Recognizing the Signs of Emotional Detachment
Despite the benefits of emotional detachment, it may have negative long-term consequences if the compartmentalized material is not processed and integrated. Emotional detachment may also be a form of dissociation depending on the person and personal history. A few signs of emotional detachment can include:
- Struggling to connect with those around you
- Difficulty noticing an emotional response to varying situations
- Feeling numb in life
Local and Nationwide Resources
If you notice that emotional detachment causes challenges in your life. You have a few options. The first is connecting with local resources or with a therapist near you for support. Secondly, there are nationwide programs and resources available to access at no or low cost. These resources can help bring awareness to mental health challenges and direct you to where you can find support. One such resource is Mental Health First Aid, which lists numerous types of resources for easy accessibility. This link here will direct you to the resource page.
EMDR Therapist for First Responders Near Racine, WI
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has proven its effectiveness via numerous research studies as well as anecdotal reports of healing trauma and reconnecting the mind-body connection. An EMDR therapist can help you heal past distressing experiences and reconnect with the emotions of life.
At Revitalize Mental Health PLLC, we offer EMDR therapy and are currently accepting new clients. We can be reached by submitting an online form here or calling us at 720.295.6703 to schedule a free 15-minute consultation call. From there, if we decide we’re a good fit to work together, we’ll schedule our first session.
