13 suicides in 10 weeks

FireWA1 said:
http://globalnews.ca/news/1457826/13-first-responders-13-suicides-10-weeks/

Really not sure what to say. Just sad.
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Wow, what sad news. I worked in a prison as a correctional officer for four years, and when I left I was certainly a different person than when I began my work there. So, I can relate to this article a bit when I see the signs of burnout and depression in myself and in co-workers.

A guy I know has returned from three combat tours in the Middle East and he wants to be a cop. I keep thinking, "I don't feel safe giving you a gun and turning you loose on the public just yet." His brain and emotions haven't come home yet, even though his body has.

We're failing on two fronts, I think: 1) making the transition easier and more complete for those returning from combat and going into public service, and 2) changing the culture of "You're weak if you need help with your emotions." When we come to accept that it's okay to seek help as a sign of wisdom and strength and not a symptom of weakness and instability will we be able -- hopefully -- to reduce the number of suicides among first responders.

M.
 
Emergency Metaphysics said:
Wow, what sad news. I worked in a prison as a correctional officer for four years, and when I left I was certainly a different person than when I began my work there. So, I can relate to this article a bit when I see the signs of burnout and depression in myself and in co-workers.
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This is the crux of the issue though. Everyone, in any job, changes as they grow older. Evolving thoughts and attitudes aren't the problem. That's just the natural order of things and how people cope. I think most of us may become slightly cynical and callous about some things, but transitioning to true depression and/or suicidal ideations is the big step here. For whatever reason, the majority of people don't go past what we consider normal job related stress and "blues." Identifying those who do in order to at least attempt to intervene should be the priority here.
 
Ive had down times in my life but no where this low. I enjoy life so it's hard to unravel the thoughts of someone who is suicidal.

About two weeks back, we had a total of 6 suicides in our county over two days. None of them were first responders but it's still sad for those who have to pick up the pieces afterwards.
 
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