DEC 2022. Blues Vol 38 No. 12

DR. TINA JAECKLE blue

DR. TINA JAECKLE blue mental health Give Yourself the Gift of Hope This Holiday Season. Many of our nation’s law enforcement officers have had a challenging year in countless ways. The 2022 statistics for line of duty deaths (especially by gunfire) and suicides in this field are staggering and can be overwhelming. The holidays are also often a difficult time for LEO families due to work schedules, family conflict, financial constraints, and at times, a sense of helplessness due to depression and lack of hope. We also live in a world in which comparison of our lives to others is commonplace and frequently perpetuated by social media and high expectations for the “perfect” holiday experience. It can place a great deal of unnecessary pressure on an LE family during an already stressful time of the year. Instead of this month’s article focusing solely on the negative, I want to instead offer the gift of hope through some basic approaches that are designed to reduce psychological stressors and increase hope for the holiday season. Amy Morgan, (Police1, 2019), offered the following excellent suggestions and I encourage to practice these often. 1. STOP COMPARING. If you find yourself comparing your holiday with others, stop and focus on what matters to you, and then let that be enough. Be content with where you are, who you are and what you have. If you are financially stressed, don’t worsen the situation by giving gifts to try to match the actions of others. Instead, give of yourself and work with what you have, but don’t deplete yourself in the process or let comparisons make you feel unworthy. 2. SET REALISTIC EXPECTA- TIONS. All the hype around the holidays makes us feel like we should ramp up our energy, our home décor, our financial ability, our time with friends and family, and even our level of happiness. Instead set your expectations in line with the reality of your own little piece of the world. If you aren’t a cook, don’t expect to present your family with a golden holiday turkey and all the fixings. Set realistic expectations about how your own holiday will, and should, look, for your own life. 3. LET GO OF REGRET. Maybe this wasn’t your best year. If there’s something in your life you wish was different, and you still have the ability to change it, start working on doing that. But if you can’t change something, try letting go of the feeling of regret that’s eating away at you. DR. TINA JAECKLE If you need to apologize to someone, do it, genuinely and sincerely. If you need to forgive someone, do it, for your own sense of peace. And then move on. Let go of the regrets so you can start the New Year free of stress and anxiety. 4. ACCEPT YOUR STRUGGLES. Life is hard sometimes, and nobody is getting through it as easily as they may make it seem. Things may be hard for you for many reasons – it is okay to admit that things aren’t great. Accept that all of us struggle at different points in life with different things. Don’t let the season make you focus on the struggles – remember that this season and its challenges will pass. 5. SET NEW YEAR GOALS. Instead of pressure-filled resolutions, set some goals. But don’t set your expectations so high you’ll never be able to follow through. Name a few simple things you’d like to be different in your life – and then outline a plan to achieve that change. This year practice healthy approaches and do what you need to do. If you’re feeling down, depressed, or alone, please reach out to any number of law enforcement mental health resources and you’ll find a caring voice at the other end of the line to help you make it through the hard stuff. The holiday season, just like your life, is what you make it. Celebrate the holiday for the reasons you choose, in the way that fits you and your life, and make the very best of it that you can with click or scan here, for your FREE BLUES Subscription. whatever you have to work with. 6. TAKE THE TIME TO EXER- CISE. You do not have to jump right into crossfit if you have not exercised regularly but get out for at least a brisk walk and break a sweat. You will feel and think better. You can also do this a couple of times a week, and invite your spouse, partner, and/ or children to walk with you to enjoy family time. 7. GIVE BACK TO OTHERS. A local FOP hosts an “adopt a LE retiree or survivor” each holiday and encourages others to take them to lunch or provide a gift card or simply give the gift of “presence”. There are numerous charities and opportunities available this time of year, including for children. Giving to others allows a mental shift of perspective away from our own struggles toward better understanding and connecting with others. Remember, we rise by lifting others. Most importantly, practice hope, even a little very day. Happy holidays and Merry Christmas to you all, blessings always. The Leader In Law Enforcement Recruitment Delivering ZERO COST solutions to Texas Public Safety Agencies. 118 The BLUES The BLUES 119