It was recently announced that the RCMP officer who witnessed a beheading on a Greyhound bus has succumbed to post-traumatic stress disorder and taken his own life. This is the 13th Canadian first responder to have committed suicide in the past 10 weeks, raising the issue of how Canada is helping its first responders.
24% of First responders are estimated to suffer from PTSD. However, these individuals often have trouble getting the help they need and, when they do ask for help, are often ridiculed and isolated. 34% of RCMP officers currently on long-term sick leave cute mental health issues as the reason. Clearly, the current PTSD support programs for first responders are not working.
Tell Canada to take notice of this issue and successful PTSD treatment programs for our first responders! These programs would help reduce the stigmatism associated with PTSD and provide long-term support to sufferers and their families.
