LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A former police officer shared his struggle with mental health and suicide in honor of National Law Enforcement Suicide Prevention Awareness Day.
According to First Help, an organization that tracks first responder suicides, since 2023, nearly 190 law enforcement officials have died from suicide.
Mother of Arkansas veteran aims to raise awareness for veteran suicides and mental health Also, police officers and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.
Stephen Wright with the Arkansas chapter of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention says in Arkansas, suicide is the second leading cause of death for people aged 25 to 35.
Wright is a former law enforcement officer himself and is passionate about his work because he too was in a dark place where he wanted to end his life.
After serving in the army, Wright became a cop and, after serving for 15 years, Wright said he “never dealt with any of the issues [he] experienced in combat.”
“Couple that with all the issues I experienced when I was a law enforcement officer, I found myself later in life going down a very dark path mentally,” Wright said.
Painting a picture of what law enforcement officers go through every day, he says, “law enforcement officers see the worst of the worst in humanity.”
With “active ideations of suicide,” and a “plan” to end his life, thankfully Wright found hope by finding someone to talk to.
“That’s when it kind of resonated with me that community really matters,” he said.
Arkansas Sen. John Boozman presses for broader, more robust approach to preventing veteran suicides Since joining the Arkansas chapter of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, “I’ve really been on this journey not just for myself but for others” to be that listening ear for other men and women in blue who may be struggling.
“I’m tired of seeing my friends die,” he said.
AFSP serves as a resource directory to help guide people to the services they need.
“We provide a lot of educational programs as well,” said Wright.
The Arkansas chapter of AFSP has partnered with Heroes Behind the Line which, “provides immediate crisis response for officers in distress,” and have therapists on staff.
The Arkansas chapter of AFSP has also partnered with Survivors of Blue Suicide who “help law enforcement officers and agencies after suicide.”
“Sometimes coping with losing your buddy can be very difficult and cause problems in your own head,” Wright said.
In early August, Lieutenant Terry Wingard with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office committed suicide. Wright said there’s a stigma against seeking help in law enforcement.
“A lot of cops don’t talk about it because they are afraid of losing the gun and badge,” he said.
No matter if you serve and protect, or are just a regular citizen, help is there for you.
“It is okay to not be okay. It’s not okay to let those go unaddressed, because you are not alone,” Wright said.
Arkansas Sen. John Boozman presses for broader, more robust approach to preventing veteran suicides To learn more about the Arkansas chapter of AFSP, go to ASPF.org/Chapter/Arkansas . The National Suicide Prevention hotline is 988. If you don’t want to talk, you can text or have an online chat.
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