“We see people on the worst day of their lives.”
The people we call first. They interact closely with people on the worst, most stressful days of their lives every day when they go to work. It’s true that not every call is do or die, but it’s also true that the situations emergency workers find themselves in, day in and day out, are far more stressful and traumatic than the situations most of us find ourselves in during a typical day at work.
When compared to the general population, first responders are more at risk for mental illness. In a 2018 report published by the Ruderman Family Foundation, emergency medical services professionals, firefighters and law enforcement officers experienced heightened levels of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidal thoughts, and they were more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.
A true awareness and empathy for that default level of daily stress is the first step in understanding why emergency workers are at increased risk of developing mental health diagnoses such as depression and anxiety. In addition to an elevated level of daily stress, SAMHSA indicates that “exposure to hazards is in the nature of their jobs.”
Despite the high rate of first responders suffering from mental health challenges, a stigma remains for those seeking mental health care. Among first responders, fears surrounding confidentiality or negative career impact may cause them to not seek help.
Routine sessions with an experienced mental health professional such as Kimberly Hampton-Saul have been proven helpful in working with first responders and can tailor services to fit your specific needs.
Resources
- Safe Call Now (staffed by first responders): 206-459-3020. Assists with mental health, substance abuse, and related issues.
- Share The Load (National Volunteer Fire Council): 888-731-3473
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 or via online chat
- Code green
- Princeton House (First Responder treatment services)
- Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor
- Frontline Helpline: 866-676-7500
- Cop 2 Cop: 866-Cop-2-Cop
- NJ Hope Line: 855-654-6735
Substance Abuse Assistance
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
- Addiction Treatment Center for First Responders (FRAT) at Livengrin
- Recovery Center of America First Responder Program (RESCU) in Devon
- Valor with Integrity Program for Emergency Responders (VIPER)
- Narcotics Anonymous
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- Princeton House (First Responder treatment services)
- NJ 211: 211