Dear COBA Members and Retirees;

I'm sure you have all seen the recent news stories of several New York City Police Officers having committed suicide. The specific reasons for this cluster of events is unknown at this time, but we all know very well the stress associated with working in Law Enforcement. Incidents of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and suicide are well documented for being as high for those in Law Enforcement as they are for members of the military. Years of stress in dealing with the worst our society has to offer, coupled with the ever present Administrative and Municipal insanity we deal with only serve to exacerbate the mental stress weighted upon us in this profession.

Many times those of us in Law Enforcement especially in Corrections refuse to acknowledge that these stresses can take their toll on both our physical and mental health for fear of being labeled as weak or unable to handle the job. It is not uncommon to turn to alcohol or narcotics in and effort to "take the edge off."

All too often, alcohol and drugs only mask underlying problems and turn into major issues themselves, along with creating additional marital and family problems.    

Dealing with the stress of working in this profession is not something that you have to do alone. You don't work in an office building or for the phone company. This is an extremely stressful environment. You do not have to take nonsense from this job home with you and ignore symptoms of problems out of some irrational fear of reaching out for help. There is no shame or embarrassment with taking care of your mental and physical well being. The only shame is not reaching out when there is so much help available.

I have seen friends on this job take their own lives or suffer from debilitating alcohol and drug issues that ruined their lives. It doesn't need to happen.

If you or someone you know needs help don't wait. They can't be helped after something tragic happens. Plenty of resources are available for mental health issues, depression, thoughts of suicide and dependency issues.  

• The National Suicide Prevention Hotline listed above is a 24/7 lifeline.
• The Employee Assistance Program is also available 24/7 and is completely anonymous. The job will never know your issue/s. The main purpose of EAP is peer support so you never have to fear any reprisals simply for seeking help for yourself.
  Joe Collins is the EAP Coordinator for the Sheriffs Dept.
  EAP Office # 516-571-7007
  Cell # 516-987-5553
• And as always the Union is available 24/7 to guide you with any issues you may have. Reps are on call day and night. All of our cell phone numbers are posted at the Control Desks 572-4171 and 572-4500 and in the Communications Unit at 572-4195.

Don't ever take your mental or physical health for granted or ignore signs of distress. Help is available, use it. For your sake and the sake of your family.  

Always in Unionism;

Brian Sullivan, COBA President

Cell # 516-508-1776