The Silent Strain: Addressing Mental Health in Security Roles with Oscar Arango
Mental health's impact on security professionals is often overlooked - but the lasting effects shouldn't be taken lightly. Read our blog here to learn more.
The Silent Strain: Addressing Mental Health in Security Roles with Oscar Arango
Mental health's impact on security professionals is often overlooked - but the lasting effects shouldn't be taken lightly. Read our blog here to learn more.
Security professionals are the backbone of businesses across the country and are entrusted with protecting customers, staff, assets, and your bottom-line.
“LP/AP professionals often operate in high-stress environments, requiring constant vigilance and readiness to manage conflict or emergencies, which takes a significant mental toll. Their roles can involve direct or indirect exposure to traumatic events, leading to lasting psychological impacts like anxiety or PTSD.
Furthermore, the immense responsibility for the safety of people and property, coupled with the intense scrutiny their actions often receive, creates a uniquely demanding and pressure-filled work experience that can erode mental well-being.”
- Oscar Arango, Ex-VP of LP at Target and Current VP of Retail Strategy at Flock Safety
The Unseen Toll of Security Work
Security professionals, especially in LP and AP roles, are constantly placed in high-stress environments. Whether managing confrontations with shoplifters, mitigating threats of violence, or responding to emergencies, they must remain alert and composed under pressure. Over time, this sustained state of hyper-vigilance begins to erode well-being, opening the door to long-term psychological consequences.
According to firsthand insights from industry experts, it's not uncommon to find security professionals quietly grappling with mental health issues—burnout, anxiety, and even PTSD.
The job demands a constant readiness for conflict and accountability for others’ safety. Add to that the repetitive exposure to crime, the emotional labor of customer interactions, and the pressure of preventing loss in high-value environments, and it becomes clear why mental health is at risk.
Common Mental Health Challenges in the Industry
While the range of mental health issues varies, several patterns emerge across the profession:
1. Burnout
Burnout is perhaps the most frequently experienced issue. For security staff, this often includes:
- Emotional exhaustion from relentless pressure and long shifts
- Cynicism or emotional detachment from the job
- Loss of fulfillment, particularly when their work is only acknowledged in moments of crisis
Burnout builds gradually, but its impact can be severe—both professionally and personally.
2. Anxiety
The unpredictable nature of security work fuels chronic anxiety. The need to anticipate threats, monitor people, and environments while making split-second decisions can extend stress well beyond the workday. Security professionals may experience:
- Trouble sleeping
- Chronic worry
- Physical symptoms of stress (e.g., headaches, fatigue)
3. Trauma & PTSD
Though less talked about, exposure to violent incidents, theft, or aggressive confrontations can leave deep psychological scars. Some security professionals carry the emotional weight of repeated traumatic encounters, often without structured outlets to process them.
Why These Issues Persist
A key factor that exacerbates these issues is the invisible burden of responsibility. Security professionals are expected to be calm under pressure, yet they rarely receive the recognition or resources necessary to sustain their emotional resilience. In many cases, the expectation to "tough it out" creates a culture where asking for help is discouraged, if not stigmatized.
Additionally - lack of peer support, understaffing, and limited downtime make it difficult for security professionals to recharge or reflect. This creates a cycle of exhaustion and emotional suppression that worsens over time.
Practical Strategies to Support Mental Health
Fortunately, there are steps individuals and organizations can take to better support mental well-being in the security sector.
1. Prioritize Work-Life Balance
Security professionals must intentionally schedule breaks, vacation time, and mental "off hours." This allows space to decompress and maintain healthy boundaries between work and personal life.
2. Build and Lean on Support Networks
Isolation is a major risk factor. Connecting with colleagues, friends, mentors, or therapists can provide a vital outlet for stress and validation. Being vulnerable with trusted people helps normalize the experience and reduce the stigma of mental health challenges.
3. Model Healthy Behavior (for Leaders)
If you're in a leadership role, your example matters. By prioritizing your own mental wellness—whether through breaks, self-care, or seeking help—you signal to your team that it's acceptable to do the same. This can foster a healthier, more open culture.
4. Utilize Employer Resources
Many employers offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), therapy stipends, or mental wellness tools—but they often go unused. Security professionals should take advantage of these offerings, which can be instrumental in prevention and recovery.
5. Invest in Ongoing Education
Podcasts, books, and training focused on resilience, stress management, or trauma-informed leadership can empower individuals with new strategies and perspectives. Learning from others' experiences helps security professionals gain insight into their own.
Moving Forward: A Call for Compassion and Awareness
The mental health of security professionals is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. As threats become more complex and the demands on security teams grow, we must ensure that the people we rely on to keep us safe are also being protected in return.
Whether you're an LP professional, a team leader, or an organizational stakeholder, now is the time to recognize and address mental health as a critical component of operational resilience.
Security professionals do more than prevent loss—they safeguard lives and environments. Flock Safety believes it’s time we safeguard theirs, too.
