Former New York police officer launches police mental health campaign as crisis deepens: 'Living proof'

Metro

by craig mccarthy and alex oliveira

A longtime police officer in New York City and Long Island is trying to change the stigma surrounding mental health in law enforcement. And he describes himself as “living proof” that police officers can open up about their concerns and come out in a better position.

Former NYPD and Nassau County Police Officer Tommy Shefflin, currently president of the Nassau Police Benevolent Association, uses both his platform and his own struggles with depression and addiction to raise awareness of mental health in law enforcement. We are trying to reshape the way we approach disease.

“I am living proof that you are not forever broken and that you can not just rehabilitate and survive, but actually grow like me,” Shevlin told the Post.

Mr. Shefrin first joined the NYPD in 1998 and worked in the city for seven years before joining the Nassau County Police Department, where he spent another 10 years on patrol.

During that time, Shevlin found that the inherent stressors of her job, including long hours, violent behavior, and public attention, became unbearable and began to affect her home life.

“As police officers, everyone is asking us for help. I mean, we're in situations where people think we look like superheroes,” he said. “So you have to maintain this persona and make sure that you are strong and can handle whatever comes your way.”

“I went through the normal stress, both personally and professionally, and then I went through the special stress that most police officers go through. And it kind of put me in a dark place and led me to alcoholism. I fell into a depression and suffered from depression,” he said.

“I was in a really bad situation in my life. Then I turned it around and was eventually able to get help through the Nassau County Police Personnel Assistance Office.”

According to PBA statistics, the suicide rate in law enforcement is a staggering 60% higher than the general population, and 65% of officers suffer from PTSD from violence they encounter on the job.

Mr Shevlin said these frightening numbers were the product of an “old-fashioned way of thinking” about mental health that permeated police forces, and that officers had to “try hard” to overcome the challenges until they could no longer cope with the situation. thinking.

“Let's say you're a police officer and you hurt your leg or your back on the street. Everyone gives you a chance to get better… You're in rehab, but all your co-workers are reaching out to see how you're doing. ''Shevlin explained.

“But when it's related to mental health, it's unknown and everyone avoids you like the plague. No one knows what to say to you or how to say it. That singles you out, and that's why no one wants to be that person.

“I mean, most people, most police officers, just sitting around and not thinking about it won't get you any help, right?” he added. “That's why we see such alarming statistics, especially when it gets bad enough to lead to suicide.”

Having experienced such turmoil firsthand and finally finding the courage to ask for help, Shevlin hopes to reach other officers going through the same experience and who might not have asked for help otherwise. I decided that I needed to share my experience in the hope that this would happen.

“I go around telling my story and helping them understand that we are human beings and that even if one or more of them are going through something similar, they are not alone. I started,” Shevlin said.

“I want to normalize mental health, where people are asking for help, like, 'Oh, yeah, I have a doctor's appointment today…whatever,' and going to counseling. I want people to talk about it like it's not a consultation.'' Anything is a big deal.

“The events we witness on a daily basis are so far from normal that in the work we do, it's actually normal to need to tell someone. And we are human beings. is.”

After retiring from the streets, Shefflin served as a counselor for the Nassau Police Department, traveling around the state giving training and sharing his story. Now, as PBA president, he campaigns for mental health among members of Congress.

Gov. Cathy Hochul recently allocated $13 million for psychological support for New York state troopers and touted Shevlin's work as one of the driving forces behind the policy.

“I now have a platform to meet with elected officials,” he said. “I've met with the governor a few times. I've been meeting with the senators and Congress and trying to get them to change things and pass laws.”

Shefrin's top priority now is to standardize mental health training at all police departments in the state, and he is working with lawmakers on a number of bills aimed at achieving that goal.

Meanwhile, Shevlin has already succeeded in saving lives.

“One of the best parts of my career was getting letters of appreciation from the children of police officers, thanking me for saving my father,” he said. said.

If you live in New York City and are struggling with suicidal thoughts or experiencing a mental health crisis, call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. I can. If you live outside the five boroughs, dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 or visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.