Radio Silence

Peopie who commit suicide do not want to die. 1 know this after having talked to Geertje Spijkerman, co-author of this book and one of my colleagues. Geertje was the wife of police-officer Ron Spijkerman. Ron committed suicide on 16 October 2009. This book is Geertje’s harrowing account of that day and its aftermath. But Radio Silence is more than a personal account of a tragedy. Not only do Ron and Geertje’s two children Mark and Willeke share their memonìes but his colleagues and mental health experts also provide contributions. This makes Radio Silence a must-read for anyone who deals with, or has had to deal with, psychological problems or suicide. It's why it has now been translated into English. During my years as Chief of the Netherlands National Police, 1 have met many colleagues and counterparts from all over the world. Il know from these encounters that PTSD and suicide are taboo everywhere. In the Netherlands we too find it difficult to speak openly and frankly about these subjects. And yet, it is paramount we do discuss these things. Speaking about them saves lives. Radio Silence is a deeply personal perspective on a world-wide problem. Many police-officers and military personnel the world over suffer from psychological problems such as depression. Many contemplate committing suicide. A fraction of those that contemplate it, actually carry it out, but the absolute numbers are still staggering. Talking helps. Listening does too, This book is a good start to do both. I hope it helps you, and it helps us all, turn the tide.