Written by Lindsay Shoup, LMHC
We rely on first responders to keep us safe and help when disaster strikes. First responders are our community's firefighters, law enforcement personnel, emergency medical personnel, and other professionals who provide assistance and support during emergencies. They often face dangerous and high stakes situations, coming face to face with grief, loss, injury and pain on a daily basis. Sadly, when it comes to supporting our first responders’ mental health we often fall short.
According to a SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) research bulletin:
It is estimated that 30 percent of first responders develop behavioral health conditions including, but not limited to, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as compared with 20 percent in the general population (Abbot et al., 2015). In a study about suicidality, firefighters were reported to have higher attempt and ideation rates than the general population (Stanley et al., 2016). In law enforcement, the estimates suggest between 125 and 300 police officers commit suicide every year (Badge of Life, 2016).
There are many factors that contribute to such concerning outcomes. It can be hard to imagine the stress that our first responders face in their daily lives. They encounter near constant traumas and are expected to work in unfavorable and often dangerous conditions. Operationally these professions require long hours, frequent shifts, and often provide little institutional support.
These experiences tend to be invisible to the communities which our first responders serve. To fully recognize the distress that these individuals experience would require action and a reconciliation of the fallibility of those we consider invincible or unfeeling. We either hold first responders on a pedestal, lauding their bravery, strength, and composure, or demonize them for their shortcomings. To acknowledge the prevalence of mental illness, substance abuse, and suicidality amongst these professionals would be to recognize their humanity and acknowledge how fragile we all are. The culture within these professions also makes it difficult for individuals to admit they are struggling and seek help. In addition to external pressures to live up to expectations, there exist internal pressures to prove oneself to colleagues. There is generally a culture of silence around mental health issues in these professions, with professionals choosing to avoid problems or use maladaptive coping mechanisms such as substance use. First responders’ social supports can struggle to truly understand what they experience at work. These professionals also have a tendency to live their work, overgeneralizing behaviors that are effective at work to their personal lives. Their professional stance of unflappability in the face of chaos can prevent them from reaching out for support. This creates a sense of loneliness and withdrawal that contributes to negative mental health outcomes.
What can be done? Concerted and coordinated efforts need to be made to provide education and training to professionals to build an understanding of mental illness, offer ways to manage mental health consequences and increase resiliency. Institutional changes need to be made to promote a culture of help seeking and prevent overwork and burnout. Peer support teams, offering support from within the first responder community, have proven to be helpful in decreasing barriers to accessing help. Increased mental health support and awareness for first responders will result in resilient professionals who can respond to stress effectively and maintain positive connections with their communities. Healthier individuals are better equipped to make thoughtful decisions under pressure and maintain empathic connection to others. Improving first responder mental health benefits us all.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out. Our therapists at Forensic Insight Group are here to support you and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to learn more about our therapy services.
Citation:
Disaster Technical Assistance Center Supplemental Research Bulletin First Responders: Behavioral Health Concerns, Emergency Response, and Trauma; SAMHSA; May 2018.