Anyone can be affected.... written by
Regie 1384715700
on the 17
th November 2013 at 19:15
- Posted in Police Blog
In the last 24 hours the M42 motorway was closed for many hours due to a man threatening to jump from one of the bridges crossing the motorway. The Police had to close the motorway and many thousands were diverted. Twitter & Facebook came alive with many commentators who made some cruel & vile comments. There was no compassion, no understanding, just animosity towards an individual who was in crisis and had caused them a small amount of inconvenience. Those people seemed to think that they will never be effected by a mental health crisis, it only effects the 'weak'. Well let me share something - it can affect ANYONE! I will share something now, not a secret but also not something that I shout about. I too have been in that position, the one where you can see nothing but despair & no hope. A few years ago I went through a really rough time, my marriage had ended, there were issues over child contact & I had financial problems. I was a serving Police officer & did not feel able to talk to anyone about my problems. I was the big tough cop, I dealt with problems, I could deal with anything. Wrong! I ended up having a bit if a breakdown and came quite close to doing something which would have been lights out - permanent! I was desperate and could see no way past my problems, I was sat next to a lake in the middle of nowhere with sleeping tablets & a bottle of vodka in the pouring rain. At some point I realised what I was doing, it was almost too late, I don't know how I called for help but did. Afterwards my friends & colleagues were fantastic, all were supportive and if anything annoyed they hadn't noticed anything wrong with me. My employer was also great, understanding & compassionate, and helping me put my problems in perspective. That was what I needed, I could not see the wood for the trees & everything had got out of perspective. These days I know to talk, my problems never end up clouding my vision and I love life. So the next time you hear of someone in crisis, think before you make some nasty comment, that person could be a member of your family, one of your friends or even you. And if you ever find life is getting too much, please please talk to someone. Life is really beautiful & precious.