Page 43 - FOP Magazine August 2020

Mental Health Spotlight
Some extra support officers can plug into
Chicago Police Officers mustered at Guaranteed Rate Field on the mornings of June 6-7 knew they were about to get on buses and be transported into the fray of protests exploding across the city. Much of it would be angry and even violent.
It would become perhaps the most confrontational eruption they would ever face, physically, mentally and emotionally. Train- ing and experience would hopefully make the difference on the front lines.
But their sisters and brothers in the Professional Counsel- ing Division of the Department’s Employee Assistance Program wanted to do something to support their mental health, to help manage the stress and anxiety. Joe Riley, a drug and alcohol coun- selor, suggested to Professional Counseling Division Director Dr. Rob Sobo putting together a series of webinars officers could plug into, even as they were on the bus. And certainly after.
“We wanted to do something for the officers working 12-hour days 14, 15, 16 days in a row,” Riley explained. “We picked topics to help officers think about what they are doing to help them fo- cus.”
Using some of its resources at mental health treatment centers across the country, Professional Counseling created a series of 30-minute sessions that officers continue to listen to. Riley said the theme related to one of the terms used in treatment and re- covery – HALT, an acronym for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired.
To hear a replay, contact the Professional Counseling Division. Some of the concepts and suggestions to cope with the continu- ing confrontation you will hear include:
• Deal with feelings by discussing them with someone imme-
diately. Find a support group of like-minded folks who are uniquely qualified to know what it’s like and talk with them. There are brothers and sisters who know what you are going through and can connect with you in a way no therapist can.
• It’s not the behavior, it’s the secrets that cause significant in- ternal discomfort. When you have people in your life to dis- cuss with you immediately, it can shed light.
• Turn your thoughts to someone you can help. The solution to your problem is that you care about someone else more than you care about yourself.
• By looking out for other people, by thinking of other officers more than you think about yourself, you can combat what is going on inside yourself. Make a pot of coffee for somebody who seems tired. Pick up lunch for another officer. Real free- dom is being of service to other people.
• Confrontation is not a bad word, but you need to confront based on principle not on personality. Actions cannot be fear- or anger-based. They must be based on principle. It doesn’t make you a passive participant. It frees you up to be more re- sponsive than you have ever been if you are principle driven.
• When you are disturbed, the illusion is to resolve some type of external circumstance like a work situation. You think, “If I can get all the chess pieces on the board in the right place, I will be OK.” You can be OK if you are willing. That doesn’t mean you approve of all these external situations, but how can you find some internal guidance that doesn’t make you subject to every bad idea and false guide that presents itself.
Your Lives Matter!
We’re here to listen when you need to destress from the job
Meeko, the therapy dog at BRAVE Police & Public Safety Wellness Center
Visit the BRAVE Police & Public Safety Wellness Center
6323 N. Avondale Avenue, #111B, Chicago, IL 60631 847-778-9322 • www.drrobinkroll.com • drrobinkroll@gmail.com
Meeko is keeping office hours with Dr. Robin Kroll
Board Certified Police and Public Safety Psychologist specializing in...
• Stress Management Training
• Critical Incident Group & Exposure Program
• P.A.D. (Police-Addiction-Depression) Dual Diagnosis Group
• Day programs for addiction and trauma for first responders
• Individual & Family Therapy • Seminars & Workshops
Also offering FIRST RESPONDERS YOGA
$20 per session (packages available) Register at drrobinkroll@gmail.com or Eventbrite
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