Holiday Blues
The holidays are supposed
to be a time of joy and loving. For many people this may be so, but for some
it is not good at all. Correctional staff seems to have more than their fair
share of sadness during the Holiday Season. I think part of the problem is the
negative environment we work in every day.
During the holidays I thank God for watching over me, and I can’t help but
think back on friends and family that are no more. I start thinking of
Officers that are no longer with us, and how some of them had their final role
call. I remember the ones that took their own way out and all the pain and
sadness this caused to the friends and loved ones left behind. It’s the
saddest thing to get a call or go into work and be asked, "Hey, did you hear
about Joe?" You try to think, "Were there any signs?" Then you remember. Joe
had been very quiet lately and seemed so sad. You may have asked Joe in
passing if everything was OK, but then went your own way after he mumbled
something about being fine.
During the Holiday Season watch your loved ones and your fellow workers. Pay
attention to any mood swings. Don’t be afraid to ask how they’re doing. If
they seem down, but they tell you that they’re doing fine or that it’s none of
your business, this would tell you there’s something wrong. Let the person
know that you are there for them. Try to talk them into seeing a professional
if you think that they’re struggling. No, you are not a shrink, but they may
listen to you better than they would someone else.
If you are having thoughts that no one cares about you, remember that there
are people who DO CARE and will listen to you for as long as you need to talk.
They’ll also talk to you as long as you need, and help you get professional
help.
If the burden is getting to be too heavy and you don’t know where to turn,
Desert Waters’ Ventline will be there 24/7 throughout the Holiday Season and
after. At the end of the phone line or the email there will be someone who
cares about you.
One of the bad things about suicide is that once people start on that path,
not too many have the chance to change their mind. What do you have to lose if
you call and talk to someone for a while? I believe that Desert Waters can
help staff and their families. Please call. Thirty minutes, an hour or even
longer is not a long time out of eternity.
Look, I don’t claim to know it all. I never have. But taking your own way out
is not the answer. You might be surprised at the number of people here who
want to be of help to you.
Take
Care,
The Old Screw
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