Our country is facing a mental health crisis exemplified by so many suicides that too many loved ones are left searching for answers.
The country’s suicide rate is at an all-time high, rising 37% since 2000. Nearly 50,000 people died by suicide last year, according to the latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, leaving the suicide rate at the same level as the year before. . It is the leading cause of death for people under the age of 64. For every person who takes their own life, 30 others have tried and another 275 are seriously considering it, according to CDC data.
Emergency responders, who face daily trauma and stressful situations, are at unique risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior. More police officers die by suicide than in the line of duty due to shootings or traffic accidents.
More than 1,200 first responders nationwide have died by suicide in the past six years. Tragically, Illinois has one of the highest rates of first responder suicide, according to FIRST HELP, which works to eliminate the stigma of first responders seeking help.
This is not surprising. First responders face disproportionately stressful and traumatic situations. Because we need them to. Research shows that police encounter approximately 178 serious incidents in their lifetime, while civilians are exposed to an average of three traumatic experiences in their lifetime.
The mental health effects of these events are not discussed enough in law enforcement. However, research clearly shows that police officers have higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression than the general public.
The Cook County Sheriff’s Office has worked hard to support our officers and eliminate the stigma of seeking treatment. We have invested heavily in a peer support team of qualified professionals who actively engage the thousands of brave employees who provide Cook County Jail security, courthouse security, and police patrol. Ta.
But we have to do better. That’s why I passed legislation this year that would eliminate copays for counseling for first responders, including police officers, firefighters, correctional officers, 911 operators, and emergency medical service personnel.
Even with an out-of-pocket cost of $35 per session, weekly therapy comes to over $1,800 per year. Such expenses create unnecessary hurdles, especially in a profession plagued by a culture of avoiding asking for help. It’s also a slap in the face to public servants, whom society expects to perfectly handle dangerous situations every day.
Many other lawmakers agreed, including nearly every state legislator and governor. The bill was introduced by state Sen. Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort) and state Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar (D-Chicago) and supported by first responders, mental health organizations, social workers, and psychiatrists. It was done.
The new rules are set to go into effect on June 1st, and I urge first responders and the public to act now to inform police, firefighters, dispatchers, and EMTs about this life-saving benefit. I’m asking you to.
Even if they believe they can handle everything on their own, they should be encouraged to seek help now. Effectiveness of treatment: Significant research shows that even for people who have attempted suicide, just a short period of counseling can reduce future attempts by 25%.
I have dedicated my career to elevating the conversation about mental health and the devastating effects of government disinvestment in treatment. The impact of that failure is felt in our nation’s criminal justice system, whether it involves people who cycle through prisons or those on the front lines enforcing the law, supporting victims, and ensuring public safety. It permeates the entire system.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a suicidal crisis, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to immediately contact Suicide & Crisis Life. Please drop us a line.
Thomas J. Dart is the sheriff of Cook County.
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