The RCMP are doing everything they can to make sure it’s officers get the help they need dealing with P-T-S-D.
Assistant Human Resource Officer and Mental Health Champion, Gilles Moreau says in the past officers were so focused helping others, that they forgot to take care of themselves.
“Very proud of the red serge that we wear we feel like we are basically super heroes and we are immune to everything that is around us and we are to serve Canadians and we’re excellent at looking after other people and often times police officers have not looked after themselves as well.”
Moreau adds any members not feeling themselves need to seek help right away.
“Very important not to isolate yourself and to listen to the people in and around you that may have seen the changes in you and want you to go and seek professional help to get into a better place.”
A 13 minute YouTube video can be found on-line featuring nine current and former employees discussing how they have dealt with P-T-S-D.
The video is dedicated to former Manitoba Dog Handler Corporal Ken Barker who committed suicide in 2014.
Moreau says in addition to the video, an abundance of resources are available for those who need to talk about any problem they’re experiencing.
“We also have a peer to peer program within the organization, we also have our divisional psychologists that work for the RCMP that are a phone call away, we have a 1-800 line in the employee assistance program that’s there 24-7 for the member and family members as well.”
New Brunswick Mountie Ron Francis accused the RCMP of not addressing the issue before taking his own life last year.
Here is the link to the video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-JJR87GRHo