As someone who started their career in police psychology, I've always been deeply interested in understanding how high-risk professions impact mental health. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Simon Hatcher from the University of Ottawa about his fascinating research on police suicide and what we can learn from it to help other high-risk industries. Our conversation revealed some critical insights that can benefit workplaces across various sectors.
One of the most striking findings from Dr. Hatcher's research centers around professional identity. When someone's professional identity is threatened – whether it's a doctor facing a complaint, a police officer under investigation, or any professional facing a career-altering situation – it creates a perfect storm of loss, humiliation, and entrapment. This is particularly challenging in professions where identity is closely tied to specific tools or abilities, such as police officers and their firearms or healthcare workers and their medical credentials. When so much of who we are is wrapped up in what we do, a threat to that identity can create an existential crisis.
Another valuable lesson from our discussion focused on how we approach colleagues who might be struggling. Simply asking "Are you okay?" often leads to an automatic "yes" response that ends the conversation. Instead, Dr. Hatcher suggests more effective approaches, such as noting specific observed behaviors and asking, "Is this normal for you?" Starting conversations with "I" statements, like "I'm worried about you," can also open up more meaningful dialogue. This approach, combined with ensuring that mental health support providers are culturally competent in understanding specific workplace contexts, can help break down the psychological barriers that often prevent people in high-risk industries from seeking help when they need it most.
ABOUT DR. SIMON HATCHER:
Dr. Simon Hatcher is a Psychiatrist at the Ottawa Hospital and Ottawa Inner City Health, a Scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, and a Full Professor and proper Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Ottawa. He has worked as a psychiatrist in clinical, research and leadership roles in non-mental health settings all his professional career starting in Leeds, UK followed by 20 years in Auckland, New Zealand before moving to Canada in 2012. Dr. Hatcher is not good at many things but one thing he does try to do well is to give a voice and meaning to people who are suffering from mental disorders. This is integrated into clinical care, teaching, and research through the Hatching Ideas Lab. Away from his professional work he keeps bees and rides motorbikes but not both at the same time.
TAKEWAYS:
Professional Identity Matters: When an individual’s professional identity is threatened, it can significantly impact their mental health, leading to feelings of loss, humiliation, and entrapment.
Meaningful Conversations: Overcoming psychological barriers when asking someone if they need help is critical. Asking specific, behavior-based questions like,“Is this normal for you?” can lead to more authentic and productive discussions.
Cultural Competence in Mental Health: It’s essential for mental health providers to understand the culture and daily realities of high-risk professions to offer effective support. Training and resources to build this competence are valuable.