Mental Health for Law Enforcement Depression and Suicide (Excerpt)

What is it? Clinical Depression is marked by a depressed mood most of the day, particularly in the morning that occurs everyday or the majority of days. It may include some or all of the following symptoms. Although it is a mental illness (and a serious one), it is treatable and may be episodic rather than a lifetime event. Treatments range from prescription medication to therapy. Roughly 20 – 25% of people will experience major depression at some point in their lifetime. Symptoms + Fatigue + Extreme Guilt + Indecisive + Insomnia + Restless + Weight Loss/Gain + Recurring thoughts of death

Women are more likely than men to experience major depression. The theory is that the complication of hormones in the female body affect mood more than in males. Men are less likely to report major depression symptoms because they are knuckleheads. Major depression is a mood disorder than can be treated similar to many other illnesses. You can overcome the problem but will be at a greater risk for re-occurrence. Untreated depression can lead to self medication through alcohol, drugs or dangerous activities (such as naked skydiving). It may also lead to suicide or other mental illness such as paranoia.

In 2009 there were 143 suicides by Law Enforcement professionals Compared to only 127 deaths in the line of duty. Suicide rate for LEO’s is 19 per 100,000. That is 52% greater than that of the general public. Risk Factors Age 40 – 44 had the highest rate at 27% Officers with more than 20 years had an increase risk Officers with less than 10 years service accounted for only 17%. 64% were a “surprise” in that no one claimed to notice any unusual behavior in the time prior to the event.

EVERYONE is at risk for developing suicidal tendencies. EVERYONE! - EARLY WARNING SIGNS + Person involved or dealing with a major stressor (work or home). + Denies it is a stress factor and refuses to talk or seek counseling. + Job performance or common effort diminishes. - MAJOR WARNING SIGNS + Person seems overly focused on death or deceased family or friends. + Overt interest in life-insurance, financial security, death benefits, etc. + Highly agitated, nervous, depressed - ADVANCED WARNING SIGNS + Sudden change in mood. + Gives personal property away. + “I’ve got it all figured out now.”