Why is the suicide rate of Police Officers so high upon retirement?

[Anonymous]

https://nypost.com/2025/05/05/us-news/retired-nypd-officer-commits-suicide-on-long-island-beach-source/

Do they lose purpose in life, sense of power and meaning?

[OlderAndWiser]

Perhaps the problem is that law enforcement has a strong perception of "us vs. them" and many officers identify only with other law enforcement officers and families. That means that when they retire, their entire world is taken away from them.

[Asker]

Good point, they become alone in a way. maybe they need "VFW"? Their jobs look very stressful... going from one risk to another, certainly in areas.

[Maskx]

I think it’s a combination of PTSD, losing a sense of purpose. Perhaps also it’s losing the comraderie because the life of police officer is really immersive. It’s definitely a lifestyle type of career. I only know because I know a few cops in my family.

[Asker]

Sounds like they should go through an exit like military... decompression and with another purpose. Just stopping and having nothing to do is depressing.

[Maskx]

I agree

[beefcakebradybatson]

The Cop Code makes them wary of seeking professional help for mental health issues, plus the brutal pigs sometimes have remorse for their thuggishness. With coppers always having a gun with them, suicide can be a mental health crisis away.

[Asker]

they have it worse than many in the military. nonstop stress in many areas for decades

[beefcakebradybatson]

Especially the inner city or rural goober areas.

[exitseven]

A lot of these guys have two or three ex wives and a bunch of ex kids. Their pensions do not go as far as they need. They are isolated and have easy access to firearms. I knew many cops that "ate their guns",

[DrPepper12]

Yes. That and access to guns & a propensity to see violence as a solution plus absolutist thinking - the world is black & white.

[Panthero80]

Some may be due to PTSD.

[Anonymous]

They feel guilty