Originally posted: September 14, 2023
It’s not an easy topic to discuss, but it is essential we all talk about death by suicide.
Suicide is complex and often has many contributing factors — including trauma from first-responder work.
The Ontario Coroner’s Report Staying Visible, Staying Connected, For Life recognized three commonalities in the nine police officer suicides that occurred in Ontario in 2018:
- Acute mental health issues (often associated with substance use disorders)
- Loss of, or limited access to, effective treatment services and supports
- Actual or perceived disconnection from family, friends, and/or the organization
In their report for police leadership, Managing Police Suicide – A Guide for Leaders, the CACP Psychological Services Subcommittee, recognized that access to confidential support programs and training, easy access to tools, regional partnerships and family support are five of 10 important components to suicide prevention.
Peer support members are here to listen and can access a mental health professional without delay.
Barbara A. Schwartz is an American who is trained by the ICISF as a first responder peer supporter, and wrote an article directed to police officers: Take Notice of an Officer’s Pain