Training In Naperville To Help First Responders Tackle PTSD

NAPERVILLE, IL — Northern Illinois University is teaming up with the Illinois Public Pension Fund Association (IPPFA) to train first responders in how to deal with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at upcoming events led by mental health professionals in Naperville and Champaign. The Naperville training sessions will be held at the Naperville Police Department on Oct. 9 and 10 and are open to current and retired police officers and sheriff's deputies.

The Champaign events are set for Nov. 6 and 7.

"The attempted suicide rate for first responders such as police officers is more than ten times the rate of the general public. First responders often have nowhere to turn when the trauma they deal with every day overwhelms them," IPPFA President James McNamee said in a statement.

At the training sessions, first responders will learn ways to identify and treat symptoms of PTSD, including substance misuse and depression. Officers will also gain tools to help them cope with PTSD and its multi-faceted symptoms.

Recent studies have shown that first responders have a higher likelihood of suffering from PTSD and suicidal tendencies due to the high-stress nature of their jobs.

In Chicago alone, six first responders have committed suicide since summer of 2018. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker recently signed a law that focuses on preventing police suicides.

Officers who click the link and pre-register for the PTSD training sessions can attend free of charge.

Read more on Patch:

Chicago Officer Takes Own Life On NW Side

4th Chicago Cop Commits Suicide Since July