Suicides after job loss: Your life matters.

As we all likely feared, there have been numerous suicides associated with these mass illegal terminations. As we learn of the deaths of our colleagues and coworkers (because yes, you are all my colleagues in this - no matter our branch) it is critical that we take care of ourselves and each other. This has become a battlefield and each one of us matters.

Exposure to suicide is a major risk factor for us to experience anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and later potentially develop PTSD. (One of many references, because science matters - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/ PMC4716477/ ) These deaths impact all of us, because we all identify our life as being the next at risk. We can also probably name a coworker whose safety we fear for. No matter how the media portrays this - it’s workplace stress, and now workplace violence.

Research also says that suicide is preventable. As many of us have mentioned in other threads - we can have the thoughts and not act on them. We can be reminded of the mission, why we chose to serve, why we work so hard, and other things we have overcome. Remind each other. Talk about it. Create space to normalize our fear and shame and rage so that we don’t give up. This can’t be tolerated alone, and there are thousands of us. Use crisis lines, support lines, community groups, faith based institutions and use us.

We need you, hired or fired. We need all of you. Share your stories. Speak to people who are less informed. Tell your doctors, your family, your law enforcement officials, your neighbors. Your story may be the tipping point in someone’s mind. Sharing out loud is our commitment to defend at all costs.