Suicide incidents on the rise, especially among first responders

WEST MONROE, La. (KTVE/KARD) — September is suicide prevention month and among first responders more are taking their own life compared to others. NBC 10’s Joel Massey has more about why this is the case.

The suicide rate has steady risen in recent years especially among first responders. I spoke with an officer who is on the front lines seeking to help those most susceptible.

C.J. Beck is a captain with the West Monroe Police Department who has seen firsthand the mental effects of the job.

“Just in law enforcement alone there’s more suicides reported than officers killed in the line of duty which is a really alarming statistic.”

Beck talks about why the suicide rate among first responders is so high.

“It’s a career full of trauma when people call the police, they need something they need help. So, we see things we experience things that most people aren’t supposed to experience. We go to all death scenes. We have to do death notifications. We see people at their worst.”

C.J. Beck, West Monroe Police Department

Beck is also a counselor and is finding that more and more the stigma of needing mental health help is lessening.

“In my counseling practice I’ve seen more first responders in the last two years than I have in the last 26-year career and what that tells me is that we’re getting the message out more it’s being more accepted that law enforcement, all first responders need help.”

C.J. Beck, West Monroe Police Department

In 2022 13 point 2 million seriously thought about suicide. 29 thousand died at their own hands resulting in 1 death every 11 minutes. And that number is higher among first responders.

“We are finding that at least 20 percent or more have contemplated suicide in their career. Substance abuse is a big issue, depression, anxiety all those things are cumulative and very common place.”

C.J. Beck, West Monroe Police Department

If you or a loved one are thinking about suicide, help is available. You can call 988 and someone is available 24 / 7 to talk you through what you are struggling with.