Anyone can be affected.... by Regie

Anyone can be affected....

written by Regie 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.

Similar Stories

Fire risk alert issued over Beko appliances Posted on 27^th June 2017
Product recall: Is your washing machine affected? Posted on 18^th December 2019
House destroyed by explosion in Ryhope Posted on 11^th August 2017
Death Posted on 26^th May 2011
Help for Shropshire people affected by house fires Posted on 18^th July 2013
9 in 10 emergency services personnel are affected by stress and mental health problems Posted on 06^th March 2015
FBU calls for Serco to make good on failed pay and pensions for Lincolnshire firefighters Posted on 04^th August 2015
Millions of visitors to Yahoo.com hit by malware attack Posted on 06^th January 2014
Deptford Fire: ACO Alan Robson comments and latest Public Health Information Posted on 19^th May 2018
Oldham community safety staff help residents affected by Maple Mill blaze Posted on 16^th December 2016

Latest Regie Police Stories

Shall I stay or shall I go now?
Boardmasters Music Festival Advice
A shift as a 'Response' Sarge
Be Prepared.....
'Wave Watching'