FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – Mental health professionals in Fargo are urging others to get help after the Minot Police Department shared news of the loss of one to suicide on Thursday. .
Officer Patrick Blanchard joined the division in 2017. The 37-year-old was also an Army veteran. During a welfare check on Wednesday, a McHenry County deputy found him dead in his car near Towner, North Dakota.
Mental health experts say it’s hard to know what a person is dealing with, and there are many factors that make the battle harder.
Mental health is becoming a top priority for law enforcement officers across the country. In Fargo, the police department created a peer support team to provide emotional support to officers during and after an occupational crisis.
Other agencies in the Fargo-Moorhead area also have support groups. Moorhead Police has the nation’s only mental health-focused counselor built into its department.
But it doesn’t just affect those who wear the badge.
First Link in Fargo provides assistance to people throughout the state and Clay County. They are the 24-hour suicide hotline number 988. They listen and help those who are struggling connect with resources.
They say the number of people calling them is increasing every year, and that’s a good thing.
Stories like Officer Blanchard’s can be hard to hear, but they say it’s important to share and offer an easy way to know when to ask for help.
“When we talk openly about suicide, it can help crush that stigma and help people feel more comfortable reaching out.” The biggest thing is how it affects your day-to-day life.Is it affecting your work?Is it affecting your time with your family? Are you influencing the
According to First Link officials, some of the signs that you may be at risk of suicide include:
・I want to die, I want to commit suicide.
– Talk about feeling trapped or in excruciating pain.
– Changes in school or work performance.
– Talk about feeling hopeless and having no reason to live.
– Increased alcohol and drug use.
– Too much or too little sleep.
– Talk about being a burden to others.
– Extreme mood swings.
– Withdrawal and isolation.
– A sharp change in behavior.
・Hand over your belongings.
– anxious or agitated behavior; reckless behavior.
Those who need help can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call 988 or 1-800-273-8255 and First Link will answer you locally.
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