by Paul Gullon-Scott BSc MA MSc MSc FMBPSS
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a well-recognised mental health condition that develops after exposure to trauma. While it is typically associated with direct traumatic experiences, those who work in professions that involve repeated exposure to distressing materials or accounts, such as digital forensic investigators (DFIs), law enforcement officers, or healthcare professionals, can also develop trauma-related symptoms. In such cases, PTSD is often referred to as Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) or Vicarious Trauma (VT). These terms reflect the unique way in which indirect exposure to trauma affects individuals. Compounding these challenges is the frequent coexistence of anxiety, which exacerbates emotional and physical strain.
In DSM-5, STS and VT are now incorporated into the PTSD diagnosis, acknowledging the broader spectrum of trauma-related conditions. This inclusion highlights the significance of addressing the cumulative effects of trauma exposure, particularly in professions like forensic investigation, policing, and healthcare, where repeated exposure to distressing material or events can lead to serious mental health challenges.
In this article, we’ll look at the relationship between PTSD and anxiety. We’ll explore their definitions, signs, and symptoms, their emotional and physical impacts, and coping mechanisms. Furthermore, this article will consider the effects on personal and professional life, examine cultural and stigma-related barriers, and propose interventions to alleviate the burden on affected individuals.
PTSD and Anxiety: Definitions and Symptoms
PTSD arises following exposure to trauma and is characterised by intrusive memories, avoidance behaviours, emotional detachment, and hypervigilance. For DFIs who review graphic content, symptoms can mirror those of primary trauma survivors, including nightmares, emotional dysregulation, and intrusive thoughts. Over time, untreated symptoms can shift an individual’s worldview, leading to cynicism, emotional exhaustion, and diminished trust in others. Gullon-Scott and Johnson (2024) and Kelty et al. (2021) found that 30% of DFIs exhibited clinical PTSD symptoms.
Anxiety, while distinct, is closely linked to PTSD. It manifests as persistent worry, fear, and physical symptoms like muscle tension, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating. PTSD’s heightened alertness perpetuates feelings of fear and nervousness, creating a cycle of emotional distress. Together, PTSD and anxiety pose significant challenges for professionals exposed to trauma.
Symptoms overlap significantly: flashbacks, emotional detachment, avoidance behaviours, and insomnia are hallmarks of PTSD, while anxiety introduces persistent worry, fatigue, and physical strain. Findings from the 2024 Forensic Focus Investigator Wellbeing Survey underscore how indirect trauma, such as exposure to distressing evidence, mirrors the psychological impacts of direct trauma.
The Impact of PTSD and Anxiety
PTSD and anxiety are interconnected, reinforcing each other in a feedback loop. PTSD’s hypervigilance can heighten anxiety, making it difficult for DFIs to relax and leading to chronic worry and alertness. Conversely, persistent anxiety prevents trauma processing, perpetuating PTSD symptoms and emotional exhaustion.
Emotional and Physical Impacts
Emotionally, PTSD and anxiety lead to recurring feelings of dread, helplessness, and frustration. DFIs often report emotional exhaustion and difficulty maintaining empathy. Physically, symptoms include fatigue, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and sleep disturbances, which exacerbate stress and undermine well-being. Over time, this can result in serious health conditions, such as cardiovascular issues and weakened immunity.
Professional and Personal Consequences
Unaddressed PTSD and anxiety have profound consequences. Professionally, they reduce focus, slow case progress, and increase errors. Emotional exhaustion impairs decision-making, productivity, and collaboration, leading to burnout and high turnover rates. Personally, emotional withdrawal, irritability, and avoidance of work-related discussions strain relationships, deepening feelings of isolation.
Cultural Barriers and Stigma
Stigma remains a major barrier to addressing PTSD and anxiety. Professionals fear judgement, professional repercussions, or perceptions of weakness, particularly in resilience-driven workplaces. Cultural norms that prioritise productivity over employee well-being exacerbate these challenges. The absence of trauma-informed policies leaves individuals unsupported and reluctant to seek help.
The Forensic Focus Investigator Well-Being Survey highlights how organisational cultures focused on outcomes often sideline mental health. This perpetuates stigma, framing mental health struggles as personal failings rather than workplace concerns. Addressing this requires cultural shifts that normalise mental health discussions and encourage seeking help as a strength.
Proposed Interventions
Addressing PTSD and anxiety demands systemic and individual approaches. Organisations must implement trauma-informed policies, confidential counselling services, regular well-being assessments, and anonymous peer support platforms. Leadership training on empathy and stress management is critical to fostering supportive environments.
Practical measures, such as role rotation and limiting exposure to distressing materials, can reduce psychological strain. On an individual level, resilience training, mindfulness practices, and peer networks empower individuals to manage symptoms effectively. Healthy coping mechanisms—like exercise, journaling, and creative outlets—help process emotions and alleviate stress.
The Forensic Focus Investigator Well-Being Survey and prior research align on these solutions, advocating for leadership-driven cultural shifts and structured support systems. By prioritising mental health, organisations can protect the well-being of professionals facing the emotional demands of trauma-exposed work.
Final Thoughts
PTSD and anxiety remain significant challenges for DFIs, affecting emotional, physical, personal, and professional well-being. Organisations must address these issues through trauma-informed policies, leadership training, and practical interventions, such as role rotation and peer support systems. Normalising mental health discussions and reducing stigma are essential steps toward fostering healthier, more sustainable workplace environments.
A Message to Digital Forensic Investigators
Firstly, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the Digital Forensic Investigators who have taken the time to contact me directly and share your experiences. Your openness and willingness to speak out cannot be overstated in its importance. Sharing your experiences not only helps to shape future research but can also serve as a cathartic outlet, allowing you to decompress and bring attention to the challenges you face. Your voices are essential in driving meaningful change and shaping future research.
To the professionals in digital forensics, your work is invaluable, and your resilience is extraordinary. However, the weight you carry is not yours alone to bear. It is imperative that organisations and society recognise the toll of your role and commit to supporting you through comprehensive, meaningful interventions. Together, we can create a healthier, more sustainable workplace, where those who dedicate their lives to justice can thrive both personally and professionally.
As the festive season approaches, I want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for the extraordinary work you do, often behind the scenes and away from the spotlight. While many of us will be celebrating with friends and family, you will be facing some of the darkest corners of humanity, examining traumatic material to keep us all safe.
The courage and resilience it takes to do your job, especially during this time of year, does not go unnoticed. You may not wear a uniform or stand on the front lines, but the contribution you make to justice and public safety is immeasurable. Your work protects lives, safeguards communities, and brings solace to victims and their families, even if the cost is personal sacrifice.
We at Forensic Focus wish a Merry Christmas to you and your families, who may be without you at their table during the festive period, as you dedicate yourselves to protecting and serving others. May this season bring moments of peace, love, and reflection for you and your loved ones. With the utmost respect and gratitude, we wish you strength, joy, and hope for the year ahead. Stay safe; we thank you for your service and your commitment.
With deepest thanks and warm wishes,
Paul Gullon-Scott & Forensic Focus
Paul Gullon-Scott BSc MA MSc MSc FMBPSS is a former Digital Forensic Investigator with nearly 30 years of service at Northumbria Police in the UK, specializing in child abuse cases. As a recognized expert on the mental health impacts of digital forensic work, Paul now works as a Higher Assistant Psychologist at Roseberry Park Hospital in Middlesbrough and is the developer of a pioneering well-being framework to support digital forensics investigators facing job-related stress. He recently published the research paper “UK-based Digital Forensic Investigators and the Impact of Exposure to Traumatic Material” and has chosen to collaborate with Forensic Focus in order to raise awareness of the mental health effects associated with digital forensics. Paul can be contacted in confidence via LinkedIn.
References
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Gullon-Scott, P. (2024, December 5). Forensic Focus Investigator Wellbeing Survey Results. Forensic Focus. https://www.forensicfocus.com/articles/forensic-focus-investigator-well-being-survey-2024-results/
Gullon-Scott, P., & Johnson, D. (2024). UK-based digital forensic investigators and the impact of exposure to traumatic material. In Journal of Criminological Research, Policy and Practice: Vol. ahead-of-print (Issue ahead-of-print). https://doi.org/10.1108/JCRPP-08-2023-0047
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