Wendy McIlwraith - Police Widow
Behind Blue Lines
English - May 10, 2020 13:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBMental Health Health & Fitness Society & Culture Relationships trauma ptsd depression police nhs paramedic suicide brene brown anxiety emergency services Homepage Download Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
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“More officers die by their own hands than in the line of duty.”
In May 2011 Law Enforcement Officer David Mcilwraith stepped outside his house onto the front porch, and took his own life. Tragically witnessed by his wife Wendy, and forever changing hers, she courageously and openly shares his story in the hope it will save others from going down the same path.
In this episode we discuss;
How repeated exposure to trauma may quickly escalate to suicidal thoughts, actions and distressThe need for greater education around PTSD and suicide, in particular for loved ones of front line responders, andHow asking for help is an act of courage, not weakness and of critical importance due to the abnormal exposure to trauma in these roles.