“I’m ok, Mom…” that’s how the text messages always start…what follows often stops me in my tracks.
“I’m ok, at a church shooting with multiple victims.”
“I’m ok, 5 shot at a hotel. Suspect at large.”
“I’m ok, just put a tourniquet on a guy shot in the arm.”
These are text messages that I have received from my son over the past few weeks.
I’m not gonna lie…they are a lot for me for handle emotionally.
Don’t get me wrong…I’m extremely grateful that he finds even a second to let me know he’s alright, especially on these tragic nights where news crews become quickly involved. The media is somehow constantly standing by, ready to pounce on every dreadful event, excited to blast it through the airwaves. It is quite comforting to know that my kid is safe before I see the story on the evening news.
The texts that arrive tell me that my son is physically ok. But, can I tell you how much I worry about the after effects of the disturbing incidences that he witnesses or has to take part in? In his short year on patrol, he has already run into so many horrific situations that I know I will never see in my lifetime, nor do I want to.
The mental and emotional health of our LEOs can be overlooked way too easily. Even if a department has excellent resources to offer, the stigmatization of mental health is often a major factor in preventing a LEO from asking for help when they need it.
I often feel lost as a PWOA in this area and especially recently as a new LEO parent. This lifestyle can be just as overwhelming and hard as it is wonderful and rewarding. Here a few basic things we can do to help ourselves and our hardworking LEOs:
1) Encourage your LEO to prioritize their health. Regular exercise, good nutrition, and solid sleep are huge factors that play into mental and emotional health. Graveyard shifts can make this extra tricky for sure.
2) Prioritize time with family and friends. Keeping our relationships strong with our LEOs is of the utmost importance for them and obviously us. Make an appointment and even schedule quality family time if needed.
3) If you think your LEO would benefit from talking to a counselor, do all you can to encourage them to do so. Even just a session or two can help them work through trauma and can give them tools to deal with what they go through. I realize this can be easier said than done.
Please keep in mind, that all of the above goes for spouses too. What kind of support system can we be if we aren’t taking care of ourselves or getting help if we need it?
Every single day while driving in for his shift, Colton gives me a quick call just to check in and pray. I take that 2 minutes and ask God to protect my son, keep him safe, keep him strong, and to surround him on all sides. It goes without saying that I would pray for his protection with or without a call…but I cherish our little routine.
And…the next time my phone beeps with an incoming, “I’m Ok” message…I know I’ll sit and pray those words over and over again.
l Sandee l