WOODLAND PARK, N.J. — In the wake of the death of a New Jersey sheriff, who appeared to have taken his own life in a restaurant, Gov. Phil Murphy and other state and local officials have emphasized that mental health resources are available for law enforcement officers and first responders.

Research has shown that police officers and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. Despite the resources available, the stigma around asking for help is still there.

A "staggering" 90% of police officers surveyed in a 2021 national study reported stigma as a "barrier to seeking mental health help," according to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing's Mental Health First Aid program. Eric Weaver, a Mental Health First Aid national trainer and retired sergeant, said the stigma is often a result of officers' altered perception of mental health.

While most police academies offer mental health training, according ...
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