Sufferer New Here...

[Nick79]

Hello, my name is James. I am a sexual assault detective and child forensic interviewer. I have been been a detective for about three years. I have had the honor of putting very bad people in prison for a very long time. That being said,this work has taken a toll on me. I have interviewed children who have witnessed a siblings murder at the hands of their own mother etc.

In March of this year my unit attempted to arrest a man who had access to several children on a daily basis based on his chosen career. This man was well respected and used his position to molest young girls. Long... Story short we went to his work to arrest him and he pulled a gun on my partner and I. He aimed the gun at us, but due to some tactical considerations we did not shoot at him.

My partner and I were forced to run away as he pointed the gun at us. As we fled he turned the gun on himself and took his own life.

I recently began having symptoms such as anxiety, shaking and nightmares. I find it difficult to focus and I have uncontrollable anger at times. I am seeing a psychologist access I am still working. In finding it harder and harder to go to work each day. Many of my triggers (which I haven't really identified) exist at work.

Anyways, I can be a bit long winded... I have read several threads on here and it's nice to know I'm not alone.

 

[hodge]

Welcome, James. You are so not alone. I admire you for your career, but I can certainly see how it's affected you now. You know, even the strongest among us can only take so much. We all have a breaking point. Is there any chance you can take an early retirement? Or maybe some good therapy would help you to hang in there for awhile longer? :hug:

 

[hodge]

Oh, and for the nightmares? Ask your doc to prescribe Prazosin. It's a high blood pressure med which also has the amazing ability to make nightmares disappear from your consciousness as you wake up. It's a Godsend. Only thing is you have to stop yourself from jumping out of bed as it can cause you to be dizzy, especially if you already have low blood pressure, so you gotta sit up and get up slowly, shake out your limbs and make sure the blood's flowing before you stand up. Otherwise, it's really great.

 

[Enaila]

Welcome to the forum. It is a relief to know there are good people who do their jobs to protect others. Your line of work has to be tough. I know there are threads on this site written by paramedics, police officers, and others who are first responders and suffer from traumas. Perhaps, when you are ready, they may help you.

Take care and thank you for doing what you do....especially caring about the most innocent in our society...our children.

 

[Lebil]

I am also new here.. thank you for your post.

 

[EveHarrington]

Welcome!