During which phase of trauma recovery might an officer refuse to believe the event occurred?

During the trauma recovery process, the denial phase is characterized by an individual's struggle to accept the reality of a traumatic event. This can manifest as disbelief or an inability to acknowledge that the trauma occurred. It serves as a psychological defense mechanism that allows the person time to process the overwhelming emotions associated with the event.

Denial can be particularly common among first responders, including officers, who may find it difficult to reconcile the traumatic experiences with their roles and responsibilities. This reaction can temporarily shield them from the emotional pain but can also delay their healing process until they confront the reality of the trauma they have faced.

In contrast, other phases such as acceptance, depression, and anger each represent different stages of the recovery process, where individuals work through feelings and begin to process the trauma in distinct ways. Acceptance involves coming to terms with the event, depression often encompasses feelings of sadness and hopelessness, and anger can arise as a response to the injustice or trauma experienced. Understanding these phases can help support officers in their recovery journey, encouraging openly processing their experiences.