THE OWL
DALLAS POLICE DEPARTMENT WELLNESS NEWSLETTER
Thoughts on Wellness
GRIEF
The theme of this newsletter will focus on grief. Over the past several months our Department has been reeling from grief over the loss of our brothers and sisters that have been injured and have passed.
Grieving is a very personal experience, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve a loss. Your grieving process will be shaped by factors like your personality, coping strategies, life experiences, beliefs, and the significance of the loss to you. Healing from grief takes time and happens slowly, it can't be rushed or forced, and there is not a set timeline for it. While some people might start feeling better in a few weeks or months, others may need years to work through their grief. It’s important to be patient with yourself and allow the process to progress naturally.
Each of the five stages of grief, which include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, involves a period of time where a person adjusts to the idea of the loss they have experienced.
The grief comes from the reality of their impending death. However, the model has been widely used by those also suffering a sense of loss from the death of a loved one, such as a spouse, sibling, child, or friend.
It is important to note that the five stages of grief do not occur in a specific order. Just because they are numbered below does not mean that’s how a person experiences them during grieving. In fact, the stages can come in any order and even return before one of the other stages even occur.
1. DENIAL AND ISOLATION
Let’s start with the first stage, which very often comes first but that may also continue throughout the process of grieving. There is shock, fear, and confusion all rolled into one or more reaction to the news of the loss.
It’s this denial that can often move us into another common reaction to grief at this stage, which is to isolate ourselves. By doing so, we might be able to avoid reality. However, it’s during this isolation where we might also wonder what the point is to life if we just die and those around us die.
2. ANGER
Once a person can see that death is a reality, denial disappears. In its place, anger often appears. This intense reaction to the loss comes from our frustration that we cannot control what happens in life. Anger can appear as everything from resentment and bitterness to rage. There is also anxiety that expresses itself as anger.
3. BARGAINING
In this stage, a person may think about what they could have done differently to prevent the loss in an attempt to regain control.
4. DEPRESSION
Across the waves of anger and rationalization comes a deep sadness that is difficult to shake. That long-lasting sadness is known as depression. There are a few types of depression that originate from grief. The first one is a reaction to the loss, which exhibits itself as paralyzing sadness, regret, and worry. The second type of depression is what we go through when dealing with the loss head-on and looking for a way to move forward.
5. ACCEPTANCE
Reaching the acceptance stage of grieving does not happen to everyone who grieves. If the death was sudden and unexpected or the denial and anger never pass, acceptance will not come.
It is important to note, though, that acceptance for those who experience it does not appear as happiness. An individual is also not accepting that the loss is okay.
Perspective on Grief
This is what grief is.
A hole ripped through the very fabric of your being.
The hole eventually heals along the jagged edges that remain. It may even shrink in size.
But that hole will always be there.
A piece of you always missing.
For where there is deep grief, there was great love.
Don’t be ashamed of your grief.
Don’t judge it.
Don’t suppress it.
Don’t rush it.
Rather, acknowledge it.
Lean into it.
Listen to it.
Feel it.
Sit with it.
Sit with the pain. And remember the love.
This is where the healing will begin.
Check in on your people. You may be dealing, well or not so well, but others are definitely struggling.
MENTAL HEALTH LEAVE
We wanted to take this opportunity to educate on the usage of mental health leave for individuals that are eligible and accrue the leave time.
The City of Dallas will keep requests for Mental Health Leave and any medical information related to Mental Health Leave confidential to the extent allowed by law.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Eligibility
1. Who can take Mental Health Leave?
All City of Dallas employees are eligible to request Mental Health Leave if they meet all the below criteria:
• Are benefits eligible
• Accrue leave time
• Experience a traumatic event while at work and the need for leave is verified by a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist
2. Are temporary or seasonal employees eligible for Mental Health Leave?
No, temporary and seasonal City employees are not eligible.
3. Are part-time employees eligible for Mental Health Leave?
Yes, part-time employees are eligible for Mental Health Leave.
4. How many hours of Mental Health Leave are granted per year?
Employees who experience a traumatic event during work may be eligible for Mental Health Leave of 40 hours for most employees or 60 hours for employees in the Emergency Response Bureau of Dallas Fire and Rescue.
Definitions
5. How does the City define a traumatic event?
Traumatic Event at the City of Dallas means actual or threatened death, serious injury, or physical abuse, either of oneself or of another, during the employee’s scope of employment that is outside the typical experiences of the employee’s routine work environment and causes the employee to experience unusually strong emotional reactions or feelings that have the potential to cause lasting adverse effects on their functioning and mental, physical, social, or emotional well-being. A traumatic event does not include routine work-related events or incidents, personality conflicts, or disagreements between or among supervisors or co-workers.
6. What is considered a traumatic event while at work?
An experience is considered a traumatic event by the City of Dallas if it involves one or more of the following experiences during an employee’s scope of employment outside of their routine work environment:
• An actual or threatened death
• Serious injury
• Physical abuse, either of one's self or of another
The experience must also cause the employee to experience unusually strong emotional reactions or feelings with the potential to cause lasting adverse effects on their functioning and mental, physical, social, or emotional well-being. A traumatic event does not include routine work-related events or incidents, personality conflicts, or disagreements between or among supervisors or co-workers.
7. How do I apply for Mental Health Leave?
To request Mental Health Leave there are 2 forms which must be completed; one form is for the employee themselves to fill out and sign and the other form is for a psychologist or psychiatrist to fill out and sign on behalf of the employee. Both forms should be sent to CODEmployeePaidLeave@dallas.gov once completed.
8. Who validates the need for leave due to a traumatic event that makes me eligible for Mental Health Leave?
The need for leave must be validated by a psychiatrist or psychologist. The leave approval process for Mental Health Leave goes to HR for approval via the CODEmployeePaidLeave@dallas.gov mailbox.
9. What if I experience a traumatic event at work and cannot get an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist?
With approval of your department's leadership, you can take your own leave time. You can then apply for Mental Health Leave and, if approved, the leave can be corrected retroactively. The City encourages employees to seek the services of a psychiatrist or psychologist as soon after the traumatic event as possible to support the mental health of the employee. Contact your Primary Care physician or employee assistance program for a referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist.
10. When should I apply for Mental Health Leave?
After experiencing a traumatic event at work if you feel that it will affect your overall mental health then you should apply as soon as possible for Mental Health Leave.
11. Do the 40 or 60 hours of paid leave for Mental Health Leave need to be taken at one time?
No, leave can be taken in smaller increments for a total of 40 hours or 60 hours of the amount awarded within a 12-month period. Work with your supervisor about scheduling the time off.
12. Does Mental Health Leave expire?
Yes, the leave expires 12 months after receiving the approval. The City encourages all staff who qualify for Mental Health Leave to take the leave within 12 months of being awarded.
13. How many times can I receive Mental Health Leave?
You are eligible to receive Mental Health Leave one time in a 12-month period.
14. Can the psychologists and psychiatrists that work for the City of Dallas validate an employee’s need for Mental Health Leave?
Yes, the psychiatrists and psychologists that are employed by the City of Dallas can validate the need for another employee’s Mental Health Leave.
15. Do I earn AIL while on Mental Health Leave?
Mental Health Leave is considered time worked and is counted in the calculation for overtime pay and does not impact eligibility for Attendance Incentive Leave.
16. Will HR notify my supervisor of my need to take Mental Health Leave?
No, you will need to work with your department and supervisor to ensure they are aware you are taking the time off so that they can plan to cover for you.
17. Does Mental Health Leave carry over into the next year if I don’t use all my awarded hours?
Unused Mental Health Leave will be forfeited at the end of the 12-month period after approval and is not granted based on calendar or fiscal year.
18. If I terminate my employment, do I receive a payout of any remaining Mental Health Leave hours?
No, Mental Health Leave is not paid out upon termination of employment with the City of Dallas.
19. Does Mental Health Leave cover experiencing a death in my family which is not associated with work?
No, the death of a family member would not be covered by Mental Health Leave.
20. My request for Mental Health Leave was denied, are there other resources available to me?
The City does provide additional benefits which may be helpful in the event you do not qualify for Mental Health Leave.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Short Term Disability: (877)-474-4250 or www.standard.com
Long Term Disability: Page 32 -
Fidelity Deferred Compensation: This may be a way to help cover expenses if you must take unpaid leave. Contact the City’s Deferred Compensation office at 214-670-4861 or www.mysavingsatwork.com/atwork.htm
Advanced Sick Leave: Contact your HR Partner and Personnel Rules 34-22.R
***Supervisors take notice***
21. Who will enter my Mental Health Leave time in Workday?
You may enter your MHL time yourself or your supervisor/department would be responsible for entering your Mental Health Leave time in Workday.
22. What pay code is used for Mental Health Leave?
Currently the pay code for Mental Health Leave is still being developed. Until the pay code is completed Regular hours should be used and a comment must be added to the time entry. If approved for Mental Health Leave you will be provided instructions for entering time.
23. I still have questions who do I contact?
For the quickest response please send questions to CODEMPLOYEEPAIDLEAVE@DALLAS.GOV
For Time Leave Entry Instructions see attachments below
ART VS. EMDR THERAPY FOR PTSD
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing is a technique used by some trained therapists to combat PTSD. The Wellness Unit works with EMDR specialists and can provide resources to those who would like to know more.
What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)?
Accelerated resolution therapy (ART) is a relatively new evidence-based therapy. It may be an effective intervention for trauma, depression, and other mental health concerns. ART uses eye movements aimed to help quickly alleviate symptoms, which are often related to past trauma.
The Wellness Unit works with ART specialists and can provide resources to those who would like to know more.
What is the Difference in ART vs. EMDR?
Both are used to treat similar disorders, but ART uses a unique form of eye movement that aims to make traumatic memories less intense, while EMDR uses bilateral eye movement to help process traumatic memories and integrate them in an adaptive way.
Depression: The Ultimate Liar
Depression is one of the most powerful and deceitful forces all of us will encounter in our lives.
It will tell you that you have failed when you have actually succeeded.
It will tell you that you are unloved when reality is that many love and care and depend on you.
I will make you feel like a burden to others.
It will make you feel that others will be better off without you.
Reality is that the people in your world will be left to pick up the pieces and grieve the void you left forever. And the people that love and count on you will no longer have You there to help them through their bad times and share the stories of their successes.
You are worth so much to so many.
American Warrior Association
If you would like to attend an American Warrior Association retreat please contact the Wellness Unit at DPDWELLNESS@DALLASPOLICE.GOV
XR HEALTH VR THERAPY
The Dallas Police Department is happy to announce a partnership with XR Health for the use of VR Goggle Therapy.
We have two "Quiet Room" locations at headquarters as an introduction to VR therapies and decompression.
XR Health also has multiple levels that are available to employees that include:
- Mental Health
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
Sign up with XR Health and provide Texas Blue Cross Blue Shield information.
Copay price will vary depending on your healthcare plan.
- Intake and Assessment
- Unlimited use of XR Health applications
- Tracking and Progress of Modality Goals
Please contact a member of the Dallas PD Wellness Team at DPDWELLNESS@DALLASPOLICE.GOV if you are interested.
Peer Support Opportunity
If you are interested in becoming a Peer Support Member, or know someone that would be interested in joining, please contact Sasha Kim at Sasha.Kim@Dallaspolice.gov.
There is no greater reward than being there to help a peer, watch them grow and know that you were a source of assistance in their time of need.
Contact Sasha or click the image below.
The Unspoken Wound: Childhood Trauma and First Responders
WARRIOR RESET
Trauma-informed Yoga & iRest Meditation
2nd Saturday monthly @ 10:30am
Yoga with Horses | 3rd Sunday monthly @ 3pm
Mindful Movement with Horses | Mondays @ 6pm
Did you know… Yoga is an ancient practice that incorporates gentle exercise, breath control and meditation.
Some of the benefits of yoga are:
· Lowering blood pressure
· Improving posture and circulation
· Enhancing sense of wellbeing
· Increasing flexibility and range of motion
· Building strength and balance
· Supporting joint health and easing back pain
· Teaching better breathing and fostering mental calmness
· Reducing stress and promoting relaxation
SIGN UP BY CLICKING IMAGE
Thoughts on Retirement?
RESOURCES
MILITARY LIAISON
Righteous Oaks Retreat
Healing Counseling Center
POLICE CHAPLAINS
For information contact SC Jon Lumbley
Employee Relations Team @ 214-671-4448
Employee Assistance Program
What is EAP?
the EAP program is a network of counseling resources for our sworn and professional staff.
Once on the site to register:
Use Web ID: BCBSTXEAP for the Organization Web ID to register your account.
Call: (844) 213-8968 if you have any difficulties.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Resources
Confidential Online Programs
Digital programs from Learn to Live** teach you skills to better cope with mental health concerns. Find out if a stress/anxiety, depression, insomnia or substance use program might be a good fit for you or your family. Visit learntolive.com/welcome/BCBSTX. Enter the code BETTERME. From there, you can access the resources at any time and work with a coach for extra support.
Help for Life’s Challenges
You and members of your household can use your Employee Assistance Program for help with life events. Compsych’s GuidanceResources includes:
· In-person, video or phone counseling
· Financial planning
· Legal consultation
· And more
Call 1-844-213-8968, or visit guidanceresources.com and use WebID BCBSTXEAP.
CITY INSURANCE ACCEPTED COUNSELORS
CHILDREN AND FAMILY COUNSELING
Since the Wellness Unit's inception, we have seen consistent feedback from our employees who care for their children and family as an area we all must do better in. Our children are our future and legacies. We have seen that children from first responders endure secondary trauma more than most families.
Please take the time to educate your child on life’s stressors and how to recognize sadness, depressed moods and trauma they may be exposed to. These videos could shed some light on these topics for your kids and provide them perspectives and tools they may use to thrive.
NAMI NORTH TEXAS
A.T.O. CONFIDENTIAL COUNSELORS
COPLINE
WATERMARK COMMUNITY CHURCH
NATIONAL SUICIDE HOTLINE
FINAL THOUGHTS
"When life breaks you, it is because you are ready to be put back together differently.
Every piece of you that feels shattered is a piece that will find a new place, a new purpose, a new meaning.
Trust that the cracks are where the light gets in. And sometimes, in our brokenness, we find our greatest wholeness.
We find the courage to rebuild, to reimagine, to redefine what it means to be strong.
You are not broken; you are breaking Through."