Blue Suicide is an emerging crisis. Officers are taking their own lives in numbers that are not only shocking but also higher than many other professions. Moment of Silence, Inc., a nonprofit for law enforcement charity formulated to combat the stigmas and barriers officers face toward seeking mental health, and to advocate for law and policy changes to achieve officer wellness.
Blue Suicide can strike quickly. It is not always committed after long, intensive battles with depression. Officers routinely deal with more death, tragedy, and negativity than most people face in a lifetime. They carry immense responsibility and are always under the scrutiny of the public. Police work is stressful. All officers are human beings and are susceptible to the same mental health ailments that can affect us all.
Through multiple Blue Suicide events at various locations in the Tri-State area, Moment of Silence, Inc. assembles mental health professionals, politicians, law enforcement executives and officers, and citizens, to join the continuing discussion. With communication and understanding, stigmas and blockages toward overcoming blue suicide are eased, and progress is obtained.
While it is true that suicide affects higher rates of law enforcement officers, it doesn’t offer immunity to any specific race, sex, age, creed, or socioeconomic status. Therefore, this campaign brings everyone to the table to have an equal footing—to have their voices and perspectives heard—to save lives. Please join our movement to stop first responder suicide.
