Posttraumatic Stress and Suicidal Thoughts: Josée’s Testimonial

My name is Josée. I’m a retired RCMP member. I’ve been a police officer for 20 years. My first day on a job, I witnessed something horrible and I was shocked. I went back to the office and I decided that day that I wouldn’t be a police officer. I was too scared to do that job.

I wanted to be a RCMP officer since I was 8 years old. And that day, I decided that it was over. And I decided to stay there. And I’ve stayed there for 20 years. And I witnessed a lot, a lot of trauma. But I was not calling it a trauma at that time because I was not informed what was PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder.

After 18 years, I hit a wall big time and my career ended a couple years after. I became very sick. I was diagnosed with major depression and I couldn’t believe it. There was no way I was that weak, that’s what I was telling my doctor, that I was stronger than that. And she said: “There is nothing. You’re not weak, you’re just… you just had enough, that’s it.“

With the help of my psychologist, the doctor, my friends, my family, medication, I took medication as well. Right now after a couple of years of battling with PTSD, I’ve never been happier than I am right now. So, don’t give up, don’t give up. There is hope, the sun is there for you and keep going.

- Josée

Do you suffer from posttraumatic stress or have suicidal thoughts?

Learning about posttraumatic stress disorder and suicide can help you find resources or ways to get better.

If you are thinking about suicide, remember that you can reach a counsellor at any time by:

Calling Quebec’s suicide prevention hotline at 1-866-277-3553 (this toll-free number is available 24/7 across Quebec)
Contacting a suicide.ca counsellor
Contacting a suicide prevention center