Mark Chae, PhD, is a researcher who has written extensively on counseling issues related to women re-entering the workforce and law enforcement mental health. Due to the nature of their dangerous work, high stress levels, and an emphasis on emotional toughness, police officers experience disproportionately high rates of stress-related illnesses and suicide. Experts suggest that police leadership should normalize discussions about mental health, train officers to recognize signs of stress in themselves and others, and change a culture that discourages officers from openly discussing their mental health issues.

1. Mark Chae

2. Introduction
Researcher Mark Chae holds a PhD in psychology from Seton Hall University. Mark Chae, PhD,
has written extensively on work-related counseling issues, specifically on the needs of women
re-entering the workforce and mental health issues associated with law enforcement roles.
Due to the nature of their work and an industry culture that emphasizes emotional toughness,
police officers are at risk of experiencing high levels of occupational stress. Officers are often
placed in dangerous situations and pressured into working overtime. Moreover, many officers
are discouraged from openly sharing their experiences with mental health issues due to
perceived damage to their reputations or career prospects.

3. These factors contribute to disproportionately high rates of stress-related illnesses and
suicide among police officers. Some mental health experts suggest that changing the
culture must start at the top. High-level officers should normalize discussions about
mental health and train officers to recognize signs of stress-related illnesses in themselves
and fellow officers.