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Published: July 1, 2022, 5 a.m.

Trigger Warning: Suicide and Violence

You may not know that suicide kills more first responders each year than die in the line of duty. This is one of many things that need to change.

This book, Relentless Courage, was written with this fact in mind. It's co-authored by Doc Shauna Springer and Michael Sugrue, formerly a member of an elite Air Force squad and a veteran police officer It was only during his police experience and after that Michael was pummeled by the incessant nightmares and flashbacks of PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder. \xa0Relentless Courage tells his story so that other first responders can know they are not alone in their mental and emotional struggle.

Doc Springer and Michael also want you to know that this story and its powerful message has nothing to do with choosing \u201csides\u201d - or the belief that you either side with the police or with the protestors. That does not need to be. Instead, there can be compassion for all \u2013 so that solutions \u2013 ideas for positive change \u2013 can emerge from compassion for all.. In fact, their efforts are trying to help those of us who aren\u2019t first responders to feel \u2013 to recognize \u2013 the trauma that those that serve face every day. And to build into the police culture that their personal trauma and injury needs to be recognized \u2013 so that there can be support while they\u2019re serving as police.

If you have trauma or violence in your past, please listen with caution. Yet I offer this episode for this patriotic weekend \u2013 as we all move forward to understand the pain of all trauma - and strive for compassion and understanding, instead of distrust and disdain. And if you are or know a first responder, this might be the episode they most need to hear.

BetterHelp is the proud sponsor of this episode, and is readily available to help anyone and everyone who needs it.

Important Links:

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You can hear more about this and many other topics by listening to my podcast,\xa0SelfWork with Dr. Margaret Rutherford.\xa0Subscribe\xa0to my website and receive my weekly newsletter including a blog post and podcast! If you\u2019d like to join my FaceBook closed group, then click here and answer the membership questions! Welcome!

My book entitled Perfectly Hidden Depression\xa0has been published and you can order here! Its message is specifically for those with a struggle with strong perfectionism which acts to mask underlying emotional pain. But the many self-help techniques described can be used by everyone who chooses to begin to address emotions long hidden away that are clouding and sabotaging your current life. And it\u2019s available in paperback, eBook or as an audiobook!

And there\u2019s another way to send me a message! You can record by clicking below and ask your question or make a comment. You\u2019ll have 90 seconds to do so and that time goes quickly. By recording, you\u2019re giving SelfWork (and me) permission to use your voice on the podcast. I\u2019ll look forward to hearing from you!

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