RCMP Mental Health

RCMP Mental Health

You signed up to protect and serve. You want to help people and stand up for those who need support. Now, as an RCMP officer, you face situations most people can’t even imagine. You’re tough, you’re resilient, and you get the job done. But what happens when the job starts taking a toll on you? Not physically, but deep down, where it’s harder to see.

The unique pressures of policing can wear anyone down. It’s not a matter of being “weak” or not “tough” enough, the reality of a demanding profession is that you will inevitably be exposed to potentially overwhelming situations. Understanding these challenges and how they impact you and your relationships is the first step to staying mentally and emotionally strong, both on and off duty.

The Realities of the Job

Your work exposes you to things most people will never experience. Not only does this expose you to physical risks but also regular mental and emotional tolls.

As an RCMP officer, you’re regularly exposed to highly stressful and potentially traumatic events. This is a core part of the job, and it puts you at a higher risk for mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Studies show that officers encounter about 13 different types of these events, far more than the general public.

Common Exposures:

• Sudden violent deaths 
• Physical assaults 
• Serious accidents 
• Serious self-harm and/or suicide
• Assaults with weapons 

The impact of these events isn’t a sign of personal failing; it’s a direct consequence of the job and it’s okay to not be okay and to need help with understanding and managing your reactions to stressful situations. You are human and deserve to be supported, especially since you are frequently putting your physical, emotional, and mental life on the line for the wellbeing of others. Having supportive others, particularly in significant relationships, is a strong predictor of how well you will cope with the stress that you experience.1

Organizational Stress

And it’s not only the experiences in the field that cause stress. Other pressures within the force can be difficult to navigate and cope with. These “organizational stressors” often cause more anxiety than the dangerous calls. This includes things like:

• Ineffective leadership 
• Issues with promotions 
• Understaffing, which means more work and stress for you 
• Higher and higher demands (ex: body cams) which don’t show signs of slowing down
• The overall culture of the organization 

In addition, for officers in smaller towns or rural areas, isolation, extreme weather, long travel, and lack of immediate backup add even more pressure. These are systemic issues that affect your mental well-being. These are common occurrences too. Many RCMP members report struggling with organizational stressors frequently and struggle to navigate them. 2

You’re Not Alone

The statistics are clear: RCMP members face mental health challenges at a much higher rate than the general population. About half of all RCMP officers screen positive for at least one mental health disorder, compared to about 10% of Canadians. 

Here’s what the data shows:

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Around 25% of RCMP officers meet the criteria for a possible PTSD diagnosis. This is significantly higher than for other police forces or the general public. Symptoms of trauma like flashbacks, nightmares, and constant alertness can come from a single event or repeated exposures.
• Anxiety and Depression: Studies show high rates of moderate to severe anxiety (88%) and depression (87%) among police officers. This can show up in numerous ways, like wanting to withdraw and isolate from your colleagues when you’re off duty. Or perhaps struggling to be in public without constantly worrying something bad will happen. 
• Suicidal Thoughts: RCMP members are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts (9.9% in the past year) and make plans (4.1%) compared to the general population. While actual attempts are statistically similar, police officers are more likely to die by suicide than in a violent encounter.

Overall, these numbers highlight that mental health struggles are often an occupational injury, a direct result of the job. This means that there is a 50/50 chance that your co-worker also experiences at least one mental health struggle. You are therefore not alone. One of the most important factors in reducing suffering with mental health is talking about it – this can help reduce any self-stigma or shame you may experience about it (click here for more about understanding shame). 3,4

Break the Silence

Despite these clear challenges, many RCMP officers find it incredibly difficult to seek help.

Police culture often promotes an image of unwavering strength and toughness. This can make it feel like showing any sign of struggle is a weakness. Many officers worry about:

• Career Impact: Jeopardizing promotions or their professional reputation.
• Being Labelled: Fear of being seen as “weak” by supervisors or colleagues.
• Social Isolation: Being ostracized if they admit to mental health issues.

Also, it’s important to know that new recruits (cadets) are actually more open to seeking help than serving officers. This suggests that the “suck it up” culture is something learned on the job. Likely then, the stigma is a systemic issue, and thereby requires active change within the system and in the actual systemic processes. There may be real repercussions to expressing the need for extra support, however, the more RCMP members express their struggles and needs, this can help to gradually shift the culture and allow for more advocacy and systemically based positive changes.5

Systemic Hurdles

Even when officers try to get help, the internal RCMP support system can have its own problems:

• Inconsistent Access: A 2017 audit found that 16% of members didn’t get timely mental health support, and for many, records were so poor it was impossible to tell if they got help at all.
• Underfunded Programs: New mental health programs were often only partly implemented and lacked proper funding.
• Return-to-Work Issues: Support for officers returning from mental health leave was often inadequate. Shockingly, one in five officers who sought internal mental health support didn’t return to work or were discharged. Many felt the organization didn’t care or was pushing them out.
• Sick Leave Paradox: The unlimited paid sick leave model, while seemingly good, can actually hinder recovery by keeping members away from work for too long, which is bad for mental, physical, and social well-being. It also adds stress to active members due to understaffing.

Overall, while the programs for RCMP members have good intentions, in reality they still fall short of being able to address the gap in mental health care RCMP members deserve and require. These issues can result in the erosion of trust in internal systems. When you don’t trust the system, you’re less likely to seek help, which only makes things worse. This is why confidential, external support is so vital. 6

 

RCMP Relationships Are Challenged

The stress and trauma you experience doesn’t stay at the detachment. It comes home with you, impacting your family and important relationships in significant ways making it harder for you to find peace, connection, and a sense of safety.

• Secondary Trauma: Spouses often live with constant worry about your safety and can develop their own trauma symptoms, including PTSD. This could contribute to communication difficulties as RCMP members may be more likely to withdraw from talking about work when they know it may negatively impact their partner – potentially contributing to a negative cycle of increased withdrawal, isolation, and struggling alone. 
• Relationship Strain: Emotional withdrawal, shutting down, and isolating. These are all common responses to trauma and can strain relationships and increase tension at home. 
• Impact on Children: Children of police officers can experience sadness, anxiety, anger, and difficulties with friendships, often directly related to their parent’s work. 

Supporting your mental health isn’t just about you; it’s about protecting your entire family. They are the “invisible victims” of your demanding profession. You deserve to have deep, meaningful, and close relationships in your life – this is just another reason why your mental health matters so much. By supporting yourself and reaching out for help, you can maintain the strength and fortitude at work and at home in your relationships in a sustainable way. 7,8

Recognizing these challenges is the first step. The next is finding the right support.

The RCMP does offer some internal resources, including crisis lines, peer support programs, and Employee Assistance Services (EAS). However, as discussed, these can have limitations and may not always be trusted due to concerns about privacy or career impact. It’s thereby important to recognize your own needs and struggles to determine which types of support best meet your needs. If you have thought about pursuing counselling/therapy, read this article to learn more about how it could help you with improving your relationships and emotional struggles. 9

Taking Control

Moreover, beyond treating existing issues, building resilience is key to staying strong throughout your career. Resilience training helps you recover faster from stressful events. It can improve your coping skills, reduce distress, and even boost your physical health.

So, when reflecting upon your mental health and relationship challenges, consider these proactive strategies:

• Stress Management: Learn to recognize early signs of stress in yourself and others, and take steps to lessen their severity. Click here for step-by-step strategies to improve stress management.
• Mindfulness and Breathing: Simple techniques like rhythmic breathing can reduce stress, clear your head, and boost your energy. Find some other strategies here.
• Self-Care: Pay attention to early signs of stress. This includes regular physical activity, understanding your trauma triggers, and recognizing how trauma affects your brain. Click here for a helpful worksheet to increase your awareness of how stress and uncomfortable emotions impact you and your relationships.
• Connect with Others: Social support is a powerful protective factor. Connecting with trusted friends, family, or support groups can be incredibly healing. Starting the conversation about mental health is the hardest step and often has the biggest positive impact on commencing your journey towards improved mental and emotional well-being.

You’re already resilient; the goal is to maintain and build that strength throughout your career.

Conclusion

RCMP members embody immense strength, dedication, and resilience in their unwavering service to Canadians. Seeking help for mental health challenges is not a contradiction of this strength; rather, it is a profound testament to it. The mental health struggles experienced by officers are an understandable, even expected, consequence of the unique and often traumatic demands of their profession.

In summary, focusing on your own recovery and improved well-being are essential in your career and to support your relationships. It is absolutely possible with the right support. If you’re carrying these unseen burdens, know that you don’t have to face them alone. Reaching out for help is the bravest step towards healing and reclaiming your well-being and significant relationships.

 

Need Support? If you’re an RCMP member in BC or AB and are struggling with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, or anger, don’t hesitate to reach out. Iron Tree Counselling provides direct billing for RCMP members so you don’t have to worry about any of the administrative/financial burdens that may deter you from getting started in counselling. You can learn more about my counselling practice to see if a free consultation is something you are interested in.

This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have concerns about relationship issues, anxiety, depression, or your mental health, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional.

 

References

1. Bowers, Lauren J., and Elizabeth R. Smith. “Building Bridges and Cultivating Hope: A Systematic Review of Interventions to Promote Mental Health and Resilience in Law Enforcement Officers.” Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology 38, no. 1 (2024): 1–17. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38976385/.
2. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. “Police Mental Health: A Discussion Paper.” PDF. October 2018. Accessed August 15, 2025. https://www.camh.ca/-/media/files/pdfs—public-policy-submissions/police-mental-health-discussion-paper-oct2018-pdf.pdf.
3. Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment. “Risk and Resiliency Among RCMP Cadets.” Accessed August 15, 2025. https://www.cipsrt-icrtsp.ca/en/research-summary/risk-and-resiliency-among-rcmp-cadets.
4. Carleton, R. Nicholas, Gregory P. Krätzig, Shannon Sauer-Zavala, J. Patrick Neary, Lisa M. Lix, Amber J. Fletcher, Tracie O. Afifi et al. “Study protocol—The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Study: Protocol for a prospective investigation of mental health risk and resilience factors.” Journal of Public Health Research 11, no. 5 (2022): 2055-2060. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9514212/.
5. Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment. “Factors That Influence Help-Seeking in RCMP Officers.” Accessed August 15, 2025. https://www.cipsrt-icrtsp.ca/en/research-summary/factors-that-influence-help-seeking-in-rcmp-officers.
6. Office of the Auditor General of Canada. “Chapter 3—Mental Health Services for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.” In Report 4—RCMP’s Management of Mental Health Issues. Ottawa, ON: Office of the Auditor General of Canada, 2017. https://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_201705_04_e_42226.html
7. Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment. “Mental Health and Well-Being of PSP Spouses, Partners, and Children.” Accessed August 15, 2025. https://www.cipsrt-icrtsp.ca/en/research-summary/mental-health-and-well-being-of-psp-spouses-partners-and-children.
8. Stelnicki, Amanda M., Leili Jamshidi, Tara L. Taillieu, R. Nicholas Carleton, and Tracie O. Afifi. “Mental Health and Well-Being among Children of Public Safety Personnel in Canada.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19, no. 21 (2022): 14030. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9654265/.
9. Royal Canadian Mounted Police. “Mental Health, Wellbeing and Support.” Accessed August 15, 2025. https://rcmp.ca/en/employee-and-family-resources/mental-health-wellbeing-and-support.