RCMP needs better mental health help, Alberta widow says

An Alberta widow says the RCMPshould have done more to help her formerhusband who was suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.

Const. Martin Bouchard, 45, killed himself last November.

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KristaBouchardsays the events and people he dealt with as a RCMPofficer took atoll.She said she noticed a change in him after he was stationed in Shamattawa, a remote First Nation in northern Manitoba.

"Initially he was so sociable and so funny that's what I fell in love with. AndthenPTSDreally started to set in about sixyears into our marriage," she said.

Sheblamed his work for a lot of what was causing his anger and the depression thatultimately led to his suicide.

"Having an axe thrown at you when you go to a call, having a baby placed under your tire.Being in fightsknowing that this could be your last breath too many close calls," she said.

He responded to violent incidences andsuicides, andcomplained the detachment was understaffed.

He got a transfer to Alberta and Kristahoped it would make a difference, but instead things got more volatile at home. The couple had many angry screaming matches and he verbally lashed out at their two children. The couple eventually agreed to separate.

She doesnt want any other families to go through the same thing.

Sheis among widows, expertsand members critical of the way the force deals with mental health in itsranks.

Mental health issues spikeinpast 5years

Hopefully, the RCMP will see the importance of making changes to ensure that, from their end, they can make as much change as possible, she said.

Statistics show the number of RCMP members and veterans receiving disability pensions for mental health issues has almost doubled in the last fiveyears. It is believed many officers still choose to suffer in silence.

Some point to a stigma against admitting theneed help in an organization that prides itself on strength and heroism.

"There isa culture that is replete with toxicity, high levels of employee stress and fearaculture of fearthat needs to change before members feel like the organization is caring and supportive," said clinical psychologist Dr. Mike Webster.

RCMP officialssayit's up to membersto call their employee assistance program, butbelievethe numbers of those seeking helpmay have doubledfor different reasons.

Assistant Commissioner Gilles Moreausays awareness is on the riseand the stigma is going away so that members see they canaccess help without negative affects on their careers.

"We haven't completely changed our culture, but I can tell you that it is changing and it is evolving," he said.

But Kristais among those saying the RCMP needs to do more toreach out to those who are suffering.

"Make it part of life," she said. "If you break an arm, it's acceptable. If you're breaking down because of trauma,it's acceptable."

The RCMP says it investigates every suicide and suicide attempt and it's working to identify high-risk factors that might push someone to kill themselvesto help preventit in the future.