Mark Bouchard: Breaking Stigma and Mental Health Advocacy in Law Enforcement Part II of II

In this powerful part II episode with Mark Bouchard, the author of Setting My Sights on Stigma, we discuss mental health, stigma, and cultural growth in law enforcement organizations. Mark’s experience as a first responder informs our conversation about stigma within critical roles, the emotional toll, and the importance of mental health support for those on the front lines. Mark’s advocacy work emphasizes that speaking openly about mental health reaches more people and how collective conversations can shift societal attitudes. There is a lack of culture that encourages open dialogue around mental health. Mark highlights the need for safe spaces where people can share their struggles without fear of judgment, emphasizing the importance of those who break the silence as they cultivate a safe space. In a space of safety, a historical suicide attempt is revealed, allowing us to explore the impact of disclosure on personal healing and community understanding. Mark provides an educational take on suicide prevention, emphasizing awareness and early intervention. We explore passive suicide (such as neglecting self-care) and its impact, and how self-stigmatization can inadvertently spread to others.