‘Never Was I Prepared That My Husband Would Take His Own Life,’ Says Police Officer’s Widow

Joanna says not only was her husband a police officer for 22 years, but he had been a Marine as well. She says she had been prepared to get a phone call saying that her husband had been killed in the line of duty, “But never was I prepared that my husband would take his own life.”

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Joanna says there were no warning signs, and that as a Marine and police sergeant, her husband would not have reached out for help, because it would have been seen as a sign of weakness.

WATCH: Behind The Badge: Blue H.E.L.P. Offers Support To Families Of Officers Who Take Their Own Lives

Joanna says that she has depression and that her 5-year-old son struggles with anxiety, while her older son won’t talk about his father’s death. Watch Friday’s Dr. Phil to learn more about her story. Plus, hear from one officer who survived a suicide attempt, and what he says about the “code of silence” observed by many police who live with the daily stress and trauma of serving in law enforcement.

Check here to find out where you can watch.

If you or someone you know is talking about suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

To learn more about suicide among police officers and others who serve in the law enforcement community, what can be done to help prevent it, and how it specifically impacts the loved ones of law enforcement professionals who take their own lives, visit bluehelp.org.



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