Officer Tommy Shevlin of the Nassau County, NY Police Department says he followed in his father’s footsteps when he became a police officer at age 22. Now years into his career, Officer Shelvin says he knows firsthand about the stress and trauma of serving in law enforcement.

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“As police officers and first responders, we witness the ugly and the evil that the world has to offer, and we deal with negativity on a daily basis,” says Officer Shevlin, adding, “Over time it changes you.”

WATCH: Behind The Badge: Families Of Police Officers Who Have Died By Suicide Talk About Their Loss

In the video above, Officer Shevlin says that, like many other officers, he suffered in silence for years, which eventually led him to attempt suicide.

Watch Friday’s Dr. Phil to learn more about the “code of silence” observed by many police and other first responders, and how that is purportedly translating into an increase in the number of suicides among law enforcement professionals.

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If you or someone you know is talking about suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

To learn more about suicide among police officers and others who serve in the law enforcement community, what can be done to help prevent it, and how it specifically impacts the loved ones of law enforcement professionals who take their own lives, visit bluehelp.org.

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Dr. Phil Staff

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