The escalating crisis of mental health within law enforcement has prompted the creation of wellness programs within agencies or departments, including Peer Support groups, online resources, and ongoing therapy. However, the topic of suicide remains clouded by stigma and silence, making honest conversations both crucial and difficult.
The statistics are sobering. Suicide is the leading cause of
death among firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and police. According
to Ruderman Family Foundation, police and firefighters are more likely to die
by suicide than working in the line of duty. For many, that is where the
conversation about law enforcement and first responder suicide stops.
This year, Minnesota’s public safety agencies have witnessed
significant loss by suicide, with each incident just as tragic as the one
before. This begs the question, why aren’t agencies getting better at seeing
the signs and why isn’t our standard approach of “ask, probe, and refer” working?
Cumulative Trauma and Compartmentalizing
The truth is that the primary drivers of suicide risk are
different for first responders. Suicide risk is increased within public safety
due to the nature of the work, which regularly exposes individuals to high
levels of trauma and stress. These repeated experiences can lead to cumulative
trauma, where the emotional weight of each incident adds up over time,
resulting in chronic stress and traumatic injuries.
First responders often excel at compartmentalizing their
emotions, an essential skill that keeps first responders safe in the work they
do. However, when psychological and emotional pain is compartmentalized and
suppressed, it can have negative consequences. The need to belong, and the fear
that they will be judged, or considered unfit for duty, or seen as a burden to
their friends, family or colleagues, is enough to keep everything hidden. It is
imperative that we rethink our approach to suicide prevention within the first
responder community.
Innovative Strategies
Dr. Shauna Springer, chief psychologist for Stella, a leading authority for innovative trauma treatments, suggests an alternate approach – one specifically for first responders.
Dr. Springer's approach to suicide in the first responder
community focuses on normalizing discussions about mental health to diminish
the stigma often associated with these topics.
She advocates for "equalizing" trauma experiences,
reminding first responders that they are not alone, and relaying the message
that we are all resilient until we are not. Her framework encourages
individuals to "ask" about each other’s well-being, highlighting the need
for a strong connection, and fostering a culture where checking in becomes a
regular practice. By introducing the concept of "encircling," she
underscores the necessity of a supportive network that surrounds those in
distress, cultivating a sense of belonging and safety. Finally, the principle
of "holding" highlights the importance of holding the connection, to
ensure that first responders feel valued and cared for, which ultimately
contributes to a healthier and more resilient community.
With established wellness programs and greater recognition
of trauma’s physiological and psychological impact on the body within the first
responder communities, we have an opportunity to recognize where traditional
response has failed and build a new approach. Addressing these issues requires collaboration
and cultures that prioritize well-being. Through open discussions about the
impacts of stress and trauma and promoting self-awareness, we can work toward
reducing the stigma and ultimately lowering the risk of suicide within public
safety.
If you or your loved one is experiencing thoughts of suicide and would like to talk about it, please consider the list of resources provided on our website.
