HEALTHY MIND MATTERS

Utah Police, Health Care Workers At Greater Risk For Mental Health Problems During Pandemic, Study Says

Jul 16, 2020, 9:30 PM | Updated: 9:36 pm

WEST JORDAN, Utah – As cases of COVID-19 continue to spike in Utah, first responders are feeling mental strain. Add all of last month’s protests and riots to that, and police are under even greater pressure.

Scientists at the University of Utah wanted to know how that’s affecting their mental health.

“There is a palpable sense of more stress,” said Detective Robert Lofgran with the West Jordan Police Department.

Though he enjoys his job, Lofgran sometimes finds it difficult to stay optimistic while in the face of anger from many in the public.

“Feeling downright hated at times,” Lofgran said bluntly.

Life is more challenging right now for police officers like Detective Robert Lofgran of the West Jordan Police…

Posted by Heather Simonsen KSL on Thursday, July 16, 2020

Their jobs are also more dangerous as they respond to more violence and mental health emergencies.

“Definitely more stressful, they take more time to do and just more stress trying to de-escalate the situation,” added Lofgran.

Dr. Andrew Smith, a clinical psychology professor at the U., and Dr. Tiffany Love, a professor in the U.’s Department of Psychiatry, are studying the effects of higher stress on first responders’ mental health.

“What we’re looking at is how the pandemic is affecting levels of depression, anxiety and just feelings of distress, and we’re also looking at resiliency factors,” Love said. “We’re seeing almost a two-fold increase in depression, anxiety and stress.”

Smith, who is the lead author of the study, said, “They’re much elevated for risk anxiety, traumatic stress, depression, insufficient sleep and hazardous alcohol use.”

Preliminary results of the study showed 23 percent of healthcare workers and 16 percent of police and fire personnel have a probable diagnosis of anxiety. Twenty percent of all first responders are showing signs of depression and about 15 percent are at risk for traumatic stress.

There’s no known baseline comparison study in Utah, but here is some context from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Stress was significantly higher for health care workers during the SARS epidemic, as five percent of health care workers experienced acute traumatic stress during that epidemic, 11 percent suffered severe depression and between 10.2-12 percent suffered severe anxiety.

It’s also slightly higher than it is for police in Buffalo, New York, during non-crisis times.

Police in West Jordan have been finding resilience through community support. They were heartened to find messages of hope written on construction paper hearts from neighborhood kids cheering them on.

“And then you see, you know what, I think the general population still supports us, and it does make a difference,” Lofgran said.

KSL 5 TV Live

Healthy Mind Matters

Hope Hero Foundation Logo on key chain...

Karah Brackin

Utah’s Hope Hero Foundation is saving teen lives

Discover how The Hope Hero Foundation empowers teens and prevents suicide. Be the hero of your own story!

14 hours ago

mother and daughter sit at a table...

Emma Benson

Eating Disorders Awareness Week: How to recognize the signs and get help

Carrie Jackson said when the pandemic hit, her daughter, Emma, started showing signs of an eating disorder.

28 days ago

Lauren Hess has struggled with depression since she was a teen. Seasonal Affective Disorder affects...

Emma Benson

‘You can actually find joy again’: Why Utahns are at higher risk for seasonal affective disorder, how to cope

Seasonal affective disorder affects about 10% of Utahns, according to a Huntsman Mental Health Institute doctor.

2 months ago

(Safe2Feel)...

Tamara Vaifanua

Free SAFE2FEEL conference teaches coping, confidence-building skills

Mental health experts say there’s an epidemic of loneliness. 

2 months ago

(Laura Warburton)...

Emma Benson

‘Because of Hannah’: Utah mom who lost daughter to suicide provides resources for others

Laura Warburton remembers her daughter, Hannah, as a warrior.

4 months ago

SafeUT app...

Logan Stefanich, KSL.com 

SafeUT app sees ‘record-breaking’ use in 2023

The SafeUT app saw "record-breaking" utilization during 2023, program leaders and partners announced Tuesday.

5 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Utah Police, Health Care Workers At Greater Risk For Mental Health Problems During Pandemic, Study Says