September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the urgent need to address mental health and suicide in our communities. The statistics surrounding suicide, particularly in law enforcement, are alarming. In the United States, a person dies by suicide every 12 minutes. Among police officers, the numbers are staggering: 125 to 150 officers die by suicide each year—nearly three times the number killed by criminals and twice the number lost in traffic crashes. These facts highlight a critical need for mental health support in a profession where exposure to trauma is a daily reality.
At The GUIDE App, we are deeply concerned about the mental health crisis facing law enforcement. The nature of their work—long hours, exposure to trauma, and an ingrained code of silence—places immense pressure on officers. Many officers struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at rates more than five times higher than the general population. Yet, in a culture that values strength and resilience, many officers feel they cannot ask for help without being viewed as weak.
The stigma surrounding mental health within law enforcement is not just about personal perception. Many departments hesitate to address mental health issues openly, fearing how it may impact their reputation or create liability concerns. Furthermore, families who have lost a loved one to suicide often do not receive the same death benefits or insurance coverage as those whose deaths are classified as line-of-duty. This reality only deepens the isolation officers and their families feel when facing a mental health crisis.
We at The GUIDE App believe this needs to change. Our mission is to provide a safe, anonymous space for law enforcement officers, first responders, and their families to seek the support they need. Our app offers evidence-based tools that help individuals build resilience, manage stress, and foster a sense of connection—all from the privacy of their phones. We understand that asking for help can be difficult, but we aim to make the process as simple and accessible as possible.
Breaking the code of silence around suicide in law enforcement starts with having open conversations about mental health. Our app is designed to provide personalized wellness strategies and peer support that allows individuals to share their experiences without fear of judgment. Whether it’s through guided meditations, stress management techniques, or connecting with peers who understand the challenges of the job, The GUIDE App is here to support officers in their journey toward mental wellness.
Retired LAPD Sergeant Cheryl Dorsey, in her heartfelt message, spoke about the profound pain of losing a colleague to suicide. Her words resonate with the harsh reality that suicide doesn’t just affect the individual—it impacts their families, fellow officers, and the entire community. That’s why The GUIDE App is dedicated to ensuring that no one has to suffer in silence. We encourage all officers, their families, and anyone who is struggling to reach out for help. There is no shame in seeking support—it’s a vital step toward healing and maintaining both personal and professional well-being.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or text “Home” to 741741. Let’s change the narrative around mental health in law enforcement, one conversation at a time.