A retired NYPD detective from East Islip is helping active duty officers by sharing his battle with depression.

A total of 11 active duty and retired officers of the NYPD have committed suicide this year. A Nassau County police lieutenant also committed suicide this week.

Matt Hickey says he became suicidal 10 years into his job.

"I didn't want to wake up in the morning and when I woke up I was crying--I was miserable," Hickey says.

He says that none of his fellow officers or family could see how much he was struggling with the stress of the job, abusing alcohol and financial trouble.

Hickey says he eventually got therapy through the NYPD. He is now in a video for the department to connect with other officers to help overcome the stigma of depression.

"There is help out there," Hickey says. "Nobody is going to look negatively at you--it's never going to be as bad as you think it is."

Hickey is now married and says he is "very, very happy."

Anyone in need of help can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.