Grief is something we all face, but for those in high-stress jobs like law enforcement, it can be especially tough. In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' host Traci Arieli sits down with Nicole Junkerman, a retired police officer who now helps people as a death doula. They discuss the unique struggles police officers face when dealing with grief and why it’s so important to support them.
The Unique Challenges of Grieving in Law Enforcement- Understanding Grief Among Police Officers
Nicole Junkerman knows what it’s like to be on the front lines. She spent years as a police officer, often having to put her emotions aside to handle the next emergency. "Police officers often have to push their emotions aside to handle the next call," she explains. This constant need to be strong can make it hard for officers to grieve properly, leading to unresolved emotions that might cause problems later on.
Key Points:
Societal Expectations: Society often sees police officers as tough and unemotional, making it hard for them to show vulnerability.
Institutional Barriers: Many police departments lack proper support systems, and the culture can discourage officers from showing weakness.
Family Impact: The families of officers also suffer, worrying about their loved ones and dealing with their own emotional toll.
The Emotional Toll and the Path to Healing
Nicole’s transition from police work to being a death doula was shaped by her own experiences with grief. After a career-ending injury, she spent a lot of time caring for her grandfather during his last year of life. This period helped her realize how important it is to have compassionate support during such times.
Insights from Nicole:
Peer Support: More police departments are starting to offer peer support groups and debriefings, giving officers a safe place to talk about their experiences.
Practical Support: Nicole highlights the importance of practical help, like assisting with daily tasks and simply being there for someone who is grieving.
Personal Stories: By sharing personal stories from her time as an officer, Nicole helps normalize conversations about grief and shows other officers they are not alone.
The Importance of Supporting Grieving Officers
It’s crucial to understand and support officers who are grieving. Nicole emphasizes that acknowledging their grief and providing the right support can prevent long-term emotional damage. Letting officers know it’s okay to grieve and seek help is a big step toward healing.
Benefits of Support:
Emotional Relief: Talking about grief can lessen its impact and help officers process their feelings.
Community Building: Support groups help create a sense of community, reminding officers they aren’t alone.
Better Mental Health: Proper support can reduce the risk of depression, anxiety, and other issues related to unresolved grief.
Take Action: Support Our First Responders
Our police officers and first responders need our support when it comes to dealing with grief. By understanding their challenges and offering compassionate care, we can help them navigate their emotional journeys more effectively.
Nicole Junkerman’s Website - https://positive-passing-9s5o5.zensmb.com/#dm
Nicole Junkerman’s book, "Daddy’s Home," available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
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