How MSP Troopers Are Breaking the Stigma on Men’s Mental Health

SAGINAW, Mich. (WNEM) - June is Men’s Health Month and that includes increasing awareness about men’s mental health.

For those in careers like law enforcement, talking about mental health can be even more important as dozens of officers die by suicide each year.

TV5 caught up with a state trooper and mental health advocate at the Basketball Cop initiative in Saginaw to find out what he does to keep his mental health in check.

While community events aren’t in a stressful environment, other aspects of their job are.

“As someone that is a first responder in our community, it’s important that we become those leaders and become those voices for people that don’t want to step forward and talk about mental health,” said trooper Corey Hebner. “It’s one of those things that is still stigmatized. And we have to make sure that we get it to the forefront, that we talk about these things.”

Hebner said his job creates stressors that could stay with him for days, weeks, months, even years, adding it’s important to know how to reach out for help if you need it.

“You could do a personal thing where you contact maybe a pastor, or a counselor, whether it’s through work or just in the environment,” Hebner said. “Or there’s a whole lot of apps out there right now that are linked to mental health professionals and you can communicate on the app. That way, it doesn’t feel as personal and it’s just a way for you to explain to somebody what you’re going through, and they can help you with that next step because that next step could be scary.”

Hebner said men in particular, should not hold any reservations about seeking help. It’s important to do a self-check and look out for anything you may be doing that would be considered out of the ordinary.

“We have to make sure that we take care of each other,” Hebner said. “And when we see things that aren’t right, you got to say something because, if you wait too long, it could be too long.”

A New York Times article from May reports at least 184 public-safety officers die by suicide each year, according to First H.E.L.P., a nonprofit that has been collecting data on police suicide since 2016.

The MSP Tri-City post commander tells TV5 that mental health resources are available for his staff, including professional help, and a K-9 therapy dog.

MSP recommends these mental health resources for those looking to talk to someone:

• Mindshift
• Headspace
• Virtual Hope Box
• Sanvello
• and Front Line Strong (which is targeted to First Responders) or FST5 (Also designed more for first responders)

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