First responders are the lifeblood of our communities, frequently referred to as heroes for their tireless work to keep us safe and help save lives in times of peril.
When the world is running away from the burning building, first responders are running in — helping when help is needed most, often at unimaginable cost.
But behind the uniform and badge is a quiet battle that goes unseen by so many: a struggle with mental health among first responders.
First Responder Traumatic Event Exposure
First responders often face traumatic events in their day-to-day line of duty. Whether they answer a violent crime scene, pull people from burning buildings or see the aftermath of natural disaster, these incidents can create emotional wounds that may never fully heal.
Eventually, repeated exposure to trauma can wear down the mental health of first responders over time, creating conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression and substance abuse.
First Responder Mental Health Stigmas
One of the most alarming statistics around mental health challenges with first responders, is that within their own communities there is still a stigma attached to these topics.
The culture of silence and stoicism still persists in which admitting to a mental health problem is a taboo and stereotyped as weak or incompetent. Therefore, the frustration and eeriness of seeking aid beside peers will only encourage most very first responders to endure in silence.
Mental Health Stigma Consequences
The impact of this stigma can be catastrophic. Untreated, such mental ill-health among those with a duty to protect will inevitably set in train professional incompetence, social alienation, or the tragedy of suicide.
Disturbingly, research has confirmed that first responders are more likely to suffer from suicide than the general population and it remains a leading topic for implementation.
Addressing First Responder Mental Health Challenges
Combatting the challenging mental health of first responders is a collective effort that should engage both government entities, employers, as well as mental health workers and the actual people they serve. The following are the essential steps that could be used to help in promoting good mental health among our fearless first responders.
- Education & Training — Offering extensive education & training programs that educates first responders on mental health issues, and provides them with tools to identify and respond to these issues in their coworkers as well.
- Confidential resource: Whether counseling, or peer support, health and wellness groups–create a private way for first responders to access mental health care (a helpline). They need to be readily accessible and free of an air of judgment or reprisal.
- Fighting Stigma: Eliminating first-responder mental health stigma by establishing an openness-support-compassion culture. We can do this by fostering conversations, sharing narratives of lived experience and recovery culture confidence in reaching out when necessary.
- Leadership and Organizational Support: Organizations will be required to foster positive organizational cultures which place the mental health and well-being of first responders as a top priority. This includes adequate resources to mental health initiatives, policies that promote work-life balance, and leadership training to spot signs of emotional disturbance.
- Research and Advocacy: researching ways to further understand the specific mental health obstacles first responders face, and working for policy change and funding initiatives for their mental well-being.
Final Thoughts
Let’s smash the stigma around first responder mental health and truly put an onus towards those who give so much to keep us safe.
This includes dismantling stigma, improving pathways to support for those who need it and fostering a more caring and compassionate culture that takes care of the carers, both on shift and off the job.
First Responder Mental Health Next Steps
If you are facing challenges your with mental health as a first responder in Albuquerque, the place to call is Odyssey Counseling. We have provided counseling for first responders for over 20 years so we know what you're going through and how to help you through your challenges and difficulties. Give us a call at 505-315-7397.
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