Why Should First Responders Should Prioritize Their Mental Health
- Danny Warner
- Apr 19, 2022
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 29
We know that first responders are essential to our communities, but we often overlook the invisible toll their work takes. While they are trained to handle extreme situations, the constant exposure to trauma can significantly impact their mental well-being, leading to conditions like PTSD, depression, and substance misuse. This article delves into the critical reasons why we must prioritize and support the mental health of our first responders.
Why do first responders often ignore their mental health?
First responders often ignore their mental health due to a fear of stigma and professional repercussions. The culture values strength, and seeking help is often seen as a sign of weakness. They also worry about consequences like demotion or being fired, which keeps them from reporting their struggles to their superiors.
We've only scratched the surface of this critical topic. Keep reading to learn more about how first responder agencies can create a more supportive environment and what first responders can do to protect their mental well-being.
First responders are often the first to help someone in need. These interactions can potentially be traumatic. While they are heroes and help others navigate hardships, they do not always look after their own mental health. This article will discuss the importance of first responders and why they need to look after their mental health.
Exposure to Trauma Is Part of the Job
First responders, which includes police, firefighters, and EMS are the first on the scene of stressful and traumatic events. They deal with everything from accidents, fires, medical emergencies, and domestic disputes. Sometimes they might find themselves in a position where their own physical safety is on the line.
This is a daily part of the job, but even though exposure to trauma is a given, it can still have a negative impact on a first responders' mental health. First responders have a high likelihood of developing depression, PTSD, and even suicidal behaviors. According to a study done in 2017 by Northwestern, suicide deaths among police and firefighters were higher than those who died in the line of duty.
First Responders Prioritize Mental Health: How Mental Health Is Impacted
The role of a first responder is to provide support in a community that is experiencing trauma. Constant direct and indirect exposure such as grief, injury, pain, death, and loss can negatively affect their mental health. According to SAMHSA, it is estimated that 30 percent of first responders develop a behavioral health condition, compared to the general population of 20%.
First responder jobs involve a demanding schedule with very little time between calls. According to the same study from SAMHSA, 69% of EMS professionals do not have enough time to recover in between traumatic events. They reported that over 50% of firefighter deaths are due to stress and exhaustion. This is mainly because firefighters often have irregular sleep schedules and little time to process repeated exposure to traumatic experiences.
Suicide ideation is also common among police and volunteer firefighters. SAMHSA also found that the lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation in police officers was 25% in female officers and 23.1% in male officers.
Substance Use and First Responders
It is common for first responders to “self-medicate” as a response to stress and PTSD symptoms. Career firefighters report high levels of alcohol misuse. Binge drinking was reported in 50% of male firefighters, and driving while intoxicated was reported in 9% of male firefighters.
Alcohol misuse is especially high for female firefighters, which account for 5.1 of the total firefighter population. In the same study, more than 60.5% drank more than the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommended. Binge drinking was also reported in 39.5% of the female firefighter population, compared to 15% of women in the general population. Additionally, 4.3% reported driving while intoxicated.
Why First Responders Ignore Their Mental Health
Unfortunately, mental health is not a common topic in many first responder agencies. There are many reasons why mental health is ignored or put aside.
One major reason is stigma. First responders are seen as strong and brave. Being able to take on anything is valued in the workplace, and seeking mental health support is thought of as a sign of weakness.
Another reason is fear of consequences if they seek mental health support. Many are afraid of facing consequences like demotion or getting fired. Because of this, mental health concerns are not reported to superiors. A study from SAMHSA found that about three-fourths of officers reported experiencing a traumatic event, but less than half of them told their agency about it.
What the Workplace Can Do for First Responder Mental Health
The mental health of first responders is not just a matter of personal responsibility. First responder departments need to advocate for their workers' mental health, as well. This includes the following:
allowing employees to prioritize their own needs over their work
managing shifts to allow employees to get plenty of sleep
promoting psychological safety alongside physical safety
It is also crucial that those who are concerned about their own mental health do not hold back out of fear of workplace retaliation. First responders need to make sure it is clear their agency is supportive of their employees' mental health.
What First Responders Can Do for Their Mental Health
It is vital that first responders prioritize their mental health. There are multiple things they can do to alleviate stress and process trauma.
Learn about resilience. Resilience means being able to cope with adversity and trauma. It is recommended that places of work have resiliency training, but it is also important for individuals to learn resiliency on their own. This includes building skills like managing stress under pressure and recovering after traumatic experiences.
Recognize the signs of burnout and compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue is when an individual begins to feel numb in the face of disaster. It is similar to burnout, but it is common in first responder and healthcare jobs, as they are both constantly exposed to grief, loss, and trauma.
Prioritize self-care before, during, and after shifts. Self-care includes taking breaks, eating nutritious meals, incorporating daily exercise, and getting enough sleep.
Practice mindfulness to manage stress. First responders can practice mindfulness in the form of yoga, meditation, or breathwork. Mindfulness can also include body check-ins to look for signs of stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
• What mental health conditions are common among first responders?
First responders have a high likelihood of developing depression, PTSD, and even suicidal behaviors due to constant exposure to traumatic events.
• What is the lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation among police officers?
The lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation is 25% in female police officers and 23.1% in male police officers.
• Why is substance use common among first responders?
First responders often turn to "self-medication" with substances like alcohol as a way to cope with stress and the symptoms of PTSD.
• What is compassion fatigue, and why is it common in first responder jobs?
Compassion fatigue is when an individual begins to feel emotionally numb in the face of disaster, which is common for first responders who are constantly exposed to grief, loss, and trauma.
• What can first responders do to improve their mental health?
First responders can prioritize their mental health by learning about resilience, recognizing signs of burnout, practicing self-care, and using mindfulness techniques.
When the weight of constant trauma and stress becomes too heavy to carry alone, please know that we are here to help. At Chateau Health and Wellness Treatment Center, we understand the unique challenges first responders face and are committed to providing the support you or your loved one needs. We offer a safe and confidential space for you to heal and build resilience, so you can continue to serve with a healthy mind and body. Don't let fear of stigma or job repercussions prevent you from getting the help you deserve. We are dedicated to your well-being. Contact our team today at (435) 222-5225; together, we can take the first step toward a healthier future.
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About The Author
Austin Pederson, Executive Director of Chateau Health and Wellness
Brings over eight years of experience revolutionizing mental health and substance abuse treatment through compassionate care and innovative business strategies. Inspired by his own recovery journey, Austin has developed impactful programs tailored to individuals facing trauma and stress while fostering comprehensive support systems that prioritize holistic wellness. His empathetic leadership extends to educating and assisting families, ensuring lasting recovery for clients and their loved ones.
Danny Warner, CEO of Chateau Health and Wellness
Brings a wealth of experience in business operations, strategic alliances, and turnaround management, with prior leadership roles at Mediconnect Global, Klever Marketing, and WO Investing, Inc. A graduate of Brigham Young University in Economics and History, Danny has a proven track record of delivering results across diverse industries. His most transformative role, however, was as a trail walker and counselor for troubled teens at the Anasazi Foundation, where he directly impacted young lives, a personal commitment to transformation that now drives his leadership at Chateau.
Ben Pearson, LCSW - Clinical Director
With 19 years of experience, Ben Pearson specializes in adolescent and family therapy, de-escalation, and high-risk interventions. As a former Clinical Director of an intensive outpatient program, he played a key role in clinical interventions and group therapy. With 15+ years in wilderness treatment and over a decade as a clinician, Ben has helped countless individuals and families navigate mental health and recovery challenges.
