A Little Help Please...

I am trying to keep this blog upbeat and full of hope, but sometimes we have to honestly address the struggles of those around us (and our own) in this crazy Law Enforcement life.

copyright Safe Call Now

While searching for something fun to add to the blog today, I came across a resource that is a MUST to add here. Please, if you know of a Public Service Employee (Fire, Police, Corrections, First responders etc) or a family member who is struggling with PTSD, Stress, or the difficulties of the job and have heard them comment about ending it...visit Safe Call Now  or call 1-206-459-3020. This is an amazing resource for those of us struggling or needing help. Safe Call Now is 100% confidential and here to help. They are completely geared toward those of us in Law Enforcement so they understand our struggles and triumphs. If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts here are some warning signs. TAKE THEM SERIOUSLY! We have a duty to help ourselves, and especially those who help us!

Here is a snippet from Safe Call Now that sums it up:

"Public Safety is a stressful, demanding career. You keep communities safe. You protect life and property. You enforce laws. You resolve conflicts. Public safety rests on your shoulders.What happens when your personal life and career are out of balance? You are going through a divorce. Your finances are out of control. You can’t sleep. A traumatic event at work is haunting you. Drugs and alcohol seem to lessen the effects.

Don’t ignore the warning signs. Safe Call Now was established by public safety employees for public safety employees. Talk to someone who understands the stressful demands of your work. It’s a simple and confidential phone call away." http://safecallnow.org/safe-self-assessment/

 

Warning Signs of Suicide

These signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. Risk is greater if a behavior is new or has increased and if it seems related to a painful event, loss or change.

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.
• Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun.
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
• Talking about being a burden to others.
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
• Sleeping too little or too much.
• Withdrawn or feeling isolated.
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
• Displaying extreme mood swings.

Additional Warning Signs of Suicide

• Preoccupation with death.
• Suddenly happier, calmer.
• Loss of interest in things one cares about.
• Visiting or calling people to say goodbye.
• Making arrangements; setting one's affairs in order.
• Giving things away, such as prized possessions.

A suicidal person urgently needs to see a doctor or mental health professional.
 © 2003 - 2013 SAVE.

Struggling with the job or living a life in Law Enforcement IS NOT A WEAKNESS! And you are NOT alone! Even if you as a reader may not be struggling with thoughts of suicide, please keep this website and number handy to pass along. Our Law Enforcement departments need to be honest about the issues our Officers are battling and we as families need to be open with talking about it. Everyday our Officers take care of us...we need to make sure we are doing our part to take care of them.

Here is a link to the Self Assessment section of Safe Call Now for more incite and help.

 Safe Call Now  or call 1-206-459-3020

 

Safe Call Now is a registered non-profit corporation that will provide crisis intervention and referral services to public safety employees.