Washington (CNN) Attorney General William Barr has noted with concern over the past year the rising number of police officer suicides in the country. On Thursday, he shared a personal story about a "godsend" social worker who helped his family during his daughter's cancer battle as he reminded law enforcement that it's OK to seek out and accept help.

"I think, though, there are probably many reasons that underlie the suicide problem we're facing. I think this is one of them, this reluctance to come forward because you view yourself -- people in law enforcement and veterans view themselves as not really needing any help and support," Barr told a gathering of police officers in Miami.

"But everyone goes through a period where they have some difficulty and could use support," he said.

The attorney general described how a social worker assigned by the Boston hospital where his youngest daughter Meg was being treated for cancer a few years ago had impacted his family in the wrenching period.

Barr said he initially had a "knee jerk reaction" to reject the help from the social worker. "My immediate impulse was, 'Hey, we're a strong family, we don't need a social worker,'" he recalled.

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