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July 25, 2022

Title: Facts and Myths about Suicide Among First Responders
Topic: Suicide: Facts and Myths

Discussed by Michael Letts
with IN-Vest USA (WWW.investusa.org/)

Between defunding police departments across the nation and anger from different anti-police groups, police officers are facing more troubles than ever before – and that is leading to a rise in suicides.

Michael Letts is a former police officer and Founder of IN-Vest USA. Today, Michael discusses facts and myths about suicide among first responders.

Click here and here for recent reports about suicide among first responders.

The government has set up a new Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you or someone you know is suffering from anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts, please call 988 or click here for more information.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Is the negative press one of the causes that more first responders are committing suicide and/or having suicidal thoughts? Michael says that in addition to the negative media attention, outspoken anti-police organizations like BLM and ANTIFA have also had a negative effect on first responders’ mental health.

Are police officers and other first responders often fearful of losing their jobs if they express their thoughts and feelings? Michael explains the chain of events that often lead to dismissal or forced retirement. He also shares how it is difficult to leave what happens at work at work and not take it home. He says: “They [first responders] have to have a way to be able to express it, live it, and vent it”, discussing the need for a strong faith-based support system. A spouse is NOT a good source to vent to.

Does much more need to be done to protect our first responders’ mental state? Why is IN-Vest USA partnering with churches across the nation? More on this in a future interview!

Click here to donate to IN-Vest USA, a non-profit organization that provides free bullet-proof vests to first responders in communities across America.

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