World Mental Health Day – Oct. 10
When you are in the middle of the storm, it can be challenging to recognize what's happening around you, hard to realize you may need help, and even more difficult to ask for it, especially while working in a career field that demands physical and mental fitness. Anne Wilson Schaef, an American author and clinical psychologist, said, “Asking for help does not mean that we are weak or incompetent. It usually indicates an advanced level of honesty and intelligence.”
Since 1992, World Mental Health Day has been observed annually on October 10. The World Federation for Mental Health has adopted the 2024 theme, "It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace." Chosen through a global vote, this theme emphasizes critical areas of mental well-being at work, including workplace conditions, stress management, social inclusion, and empowerment.
Jared McCord is currently the activities officer at Mabel Bassett Correctional Center in McLoud, and he experienced a tough time a few years ago. He found a way through the darkness and wants to share his truth with others so they know they are not alone. McCord permitted us to share his story. The following are his words:
My name is Jared McCord. I began my law enforcement career in 1995 with the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office. In 2013, I thought I was done with law enforcement and left OCSO. However, the call of duty was still strong. I joined the University Police Department at Oklahoma Baptist University, where I worked until 2016 before moving to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. I was then promoted to captain at Mabel Bassett Correctional Center.
After almost 30 years in law enforcement, I witnessed many traumatic events, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and the fentanyl crisis, which resulted in numerous overdoses at MBCC. Despite all this, I never sought help. I’ve seen things that no one should ever have to see—everything from the bodies of infants to elderly individuals and instances of rape and severe violence.
Eventually, I received two write-ups in quick succession, which led to my demotion to sergeant. These write-ups were for minor mistakes, but my state of mind was far from clear. It’s confusing when you aren’t thinking straight but think you are. You don’t understand what’s happening around you. My wife would tell me about conversations we had that lasted 30 minutes to an hour, and I wouldn’t remember a single word. She said we were both talking during the conversation, but I do not remember any of it. My mind was overwhelmed with work, bills, family, and life in general, and I never took a moment to slow down. It all hit me at once, and I finally reached out for help.
After months of hard work, determination, and extensive therapy, I reclaimed my life. I informed my warden that I wanted to return to the ODOC. Unfortunately, I was not allowed to return to work in uniform, but I was able to become the Activities Officer for MBCC, although with a significant pay cut. My goal was to show the staff, officers, inmates, and even myself that anything is possible with effort and support. It’s okay to not be okay and to ask for help. It took me 30 years to understand that. I am now a living testament to the importance of asking for help and being there for others when they need it.
Since reaching out for help, my life has transformed. I realized I had taken my family for granted and had not spent quality time with them. Throughout my career, I received numerous awards, including lifesaving awards and Supervisor of the Year, and I thought I understood what it meant to care and show passion. But I didn’t truly grasp the meaning of these words until I needed empathy myself. Over the past six months, I’ve learned the true value of empathy. I began to think about my colleagues—many of them must feel the same way I did but might be afraid to admit it.
Diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety and depression, I no longer take anything for granted. I cherish every moment with my family, friends, and work. I realized that many inmates at MBCC are like me; they need help but don’t know how to ask for it. I decided to be an example for everyone in my life: coworkers, family, and myself. Saying you’ll help is one thing, but taking action is another.
I want to share my story with everyone. I know I’m not the only one who has seen the dark side of life and kept it inside because I was a police officer and a corrections officer. I thought I had to be tough to be a man. But in reality, I’m human like everyone else. It’s okay to break down, get mad, get sad, and get happy. Don’t hold it in—talk to someone. If you take anything away from this, let it be this: IT’S OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY. ASK FOR HELP.
Call 988 for Help
The 988 Mental Health Lifeline provides support from trained crisis counselors and is available 24/7 nationwide for anyone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis or any other emotional distress.
