Suicide Prevention - being first responders to first responders

September is Suicide Prevention Month and today, September 10th, is Suicide Prevention Day.

People, seeing no other option, continue to take their own lives at an alarmingly increasing rate and those people include police officers. Worldwide.

Within policing, the stigma around exhibiting what is perceived as weakness remains and will do for a long time. It’s partly how we are trained, not only to behave, but to react to what we experience. We need to be “warriors”, not social workers. Much like our police culture, it will take years and a sustained effort to turn around and create something more healthy for all.

We have programs like R2MR (Road to Mental Readiness), and others, which stimulate conversation and increase awareness of mental health - at least they do in the classroom. We have Peer Support and Psychological Services, both of which provide an outstanding and very critical need. Believe me, I have gone the distance with them, and I haven’t been eaten by the pack yet.

All great stuff and much better than where we were five or ten years ago. As the son of a police officer I know that we have travelled a great distance from the era of dealing with a colleague's murder or death by reaching for a bottle of whisky or gin from the bottom drawer of the desk in the office.

As police officers we all “have each other’s backs”. That is true certainly on so called “hot calls” where we all enjoy the thrill of the chase, catching the bad guy and making people feel safe. We love the adrenaline, the rush, and the combined feeling that we have done what we promised to do and that we all got out of it safely. But ask yourself, what happens to some of us when the shift is over and we make our way home, some to families and children, and some to empty homes? Where is the safety of the group then? Where is the “pack mentality”? Where is the feeling of belonging? Where is the support of simply being surrounded by those with whom we have so much in common, at least professionally? Some guys thrive on that. It may be all they have. Their identity.

Loneliness and isolation don’t have to be a precursor to suicide, but I would humbly suggest that they are feelings experienced by those most vulnerable to this disease.

Don’t let education and awareness stop at the exit door of the classroom. Be a leader every day regardless of your rank. Mentor and check in with those above and below your pay grade. Get to know your colleagues - all of them. It is only by learning about people that we can take notice when things are “not right” with them. Stigma, especially in our field of operations, prevents people from reaching out. This is where you become that conduit when your senses tell you something is not right. Give that person a call on their days off. If you have time, grab a coffee with them.

One other thing when we are all bantering and having a laugh or bonding - call it what you will - be aware of your audience. If we make jokes or make light about mental health or addictions, we are also creating a very real barrier for that person amongst us to come forward for help. As if it isn't difficult enough. There is really no need for another "I had no idea" comment.

Let’s make sure that we truly have each other’s backs. In life. Not just at work. Be a first responder to your buddies too. It's good for all of us.

For those who are suffering currently, please reach out. In the words of Aza Holmes, remember, “today is not your forever.” 

@iaspinfo #suicideprevention @CMHA_NTL @CMHACalgary #education #mentalhealth #training #weareCPS