As we close the month of September, we recognize National Law Enforcement Suicide Awareness Day.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, there are an average of 130 suicide deaths per day. The number of suicides amongst law enforcement officers and first responders is unprecedented. While this sadness seems to spin beyond our control there is reason to be hopeful. Now we can acknowledge the cumulative effect of stress and trauma in a law enforcement career. And, with that, the resources available today, from training and outreach to peer led and professional support providers is ever expanding.
If you know someone who is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out – you might save a career, a marriage or even a life.
“There is a lot of noise and chaos in our world. How do we filter through the noise to remember our foundations? Gravity podcast explores the relationships, experiences, and values that keep us grounded in a chaotic world”
“Tune in every other Monday to listen to Jaimie and Chris unpack over two decades of marriage. It is going to get messy! You are guaranteed to laugh and maybe even cry.”
As we move further into the month of May and many of our agencies, officers and families feel increased emotional response as recognitions happen across the state and the nation in preparation for Peace Officers’ Memorial Day on May 15th. We hope you’ll be intentional in taking time to be aware of not only your own mental health and wellbeing – but that of your work partners and your loved ones at home.
Take a look at this article for one such break – be well and take care of one another.
If I was going to start with one offering for new and seasoned law enforcement officer wellness and an exceptional resource for their overall family health, it would be this – “Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement” by Dr Kevin Gilmartin. My agency gives a copy of this book to every new hire – it is the gold standard, remaining one of the pre-eminent offerings for law enforcement emotional/psychological awareness.
The book’s foreword starts, “If you’re a cop, you’re going to love this book. It could change your life. It might even save your life, your career, your home life. If you’re not a cop, you’ll still love it because the ideas in this book could certainly apply to you too. Maybe you’re in a relationship with a cop…”
“Dr Kevin Gilmartin is eminently qualified to write about emotional survival for law enforcement because he lived it, studied it, researched it, and taught it.”
Anyone who is, loves or wants to support a law enforcement officer and/or their family will benefit from the full-length book.
In this podcast from “The Squad Room”, Dr Gilmartin talks Leadership, Health and Wellness
Once you finish that – I encourage you to listen to more episodes from “The Squad Room” with Garrett Te Slaa. There are so many great topics for cops, families and friends.
On behalf of all of us here at Behind the Badge Foundation – be well, take care of yourself and look out for each other.
Please note: Since this article was published it has been determined that the event on June 4th will be the Peace Officers Ceremony only. The Medal of Honor Ceremony will occur in the fall per COVID-19 restrictions.
I came across this article in the NY Times. It is a well written article about the Law Enforcement Officer that was one the original founders of the Make A Wish Foundation.
The talented Rebecca Grondel, MA delivers another important and relevant Law Enforcement Family Network Flashlight Series video on the vulnerable emotions that drive anger. Please take a few minutes today and learn about the “Anger Iceberg”
If you haven’t done it yet, be sure to register for the Law Enforcement Family Network Virtual Conference on Janaury 8-9, 2021. Registration can be found on our events page!
