The Code of Silence

In my observations, the code of silence relates to the internal chaos the men and women wearing the Police or Military uniform endure. The Code of Silence in the mind is the emotional trauma tucked away in the hearts of men and women who are the sheepdogs - the guardians of our people.

These selfless gaurdians tuck away the images and cries of the wounded in their heart as they sacrifice themselves to protect our people. These incredible brothers and sisters of mine are affected by all they experience. The salty sweat in their eyes, the physical exhaustion, pain, blood rushing through the courses of their veins, grasping for oxygen can be a daily event. Oh, what wonderful warriors these are!

They give their best for you and I. But what happens to them after the dust settles, after they finish writing reports or try and recover from being wounded - if they come home at all? Multiplying the injuries, images of death and destruction they encounter and add years on the job they experience. This is much to ask a human being to do and then to demand more, better and label them with no understanding of what they go through daily!

The emotional trauma they experience now has an opportunity to eat away at them from the inside unless they have tools and means to work through it. This warriors are husbands and wives, fathers and daughters just like everyone else. Not invinsible to what any other person on earth can experience.

So why am I writing this poorly worded article? My heart goes out to Our warriors in uniform who need our encouragment, our commitment and our prayers. The job is the utmost difficult. Suicide and self destruction behavoir from the internal struggles is real and evident.

There are some really great resources out their for our Officers and Troops! Let's put a light on the code of silence and encourage our departments to use the resources available. I know it works because I was in the mix. And my message to my brothers and sisters who wear the uniform, you are valued! Your are needed! And you are worth it! Help is everywhere and you are able to get the help to remain resilient so when you go home to your family you can be the best and love what is close to you. They want you resilient! They want you strong and healthy!

The Counseling Team International and Hope for the Heart are two organizations I benefited from personally. There are more resources and conferences out there for you!