Hamilton Police Officer’s death raises mental health concerns

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Niagara Police are investigating the death of a Hamilton Police Officer at his Niagara area home. The investigation is ongoing and police haven’t released any details, but sources say it was a suicide. It is unknown if the officer suffered from job-related stress, but his death is once again raising concerns about mental health among first responders.

Since last April, 38 of Canada’s first responders have taken their own lives. Police officers, firefighters, paramedics and military personnel, all people working in highly stressful jobs.

“Clearly the industries that they work in are at risk to being exposed to trauma” says Renee Jarvis, President of the Canadian Critical Incident Stress Foundation. “…those individuals suffering from PTSD or depression often times it becomes a family issue and more times than not the families end up in divorce or marital break-up.”

Mike Thomas is a retired police officer, he says first responders are often type A personalities who see themselves as fixers of problems. He believes until the culture surrounding work stress and mental health changes, first responders will be reluctant to seek help. “There’s got to be a level of confidentiality to allow people to feel free that they can talk without having any repercussions of their job being in jeopardy.”

Organizations that support first responders say the two biggest obstacles to helping workers are a lack of funding and legislation. Most agencies get little to no funding from the Province or Police Services and until support is mandated the stigma will continue.