Taking a Stand for First Responder Wellness

January is Mental Wellness Month!

Did you know nearly one in five U.S. adults experience mental illness each year. How many members are in your department? How about your circle in your personal life? Mental illness is common in the United States, ranging from mild to severe. Recognizing January as Mental Wellness Month is important for several reasons, as it emphasizes the need for mental health awareness and care, especially at the start of the year.

Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and addictive behaviors are among the most common mental illnesses. While many of these have biological components, lifestyle plays a big role as well. As firefighters, we face a lot of stress, and it can take a mental toll. Some studies have shown that firefighters have a higher incidence of symptoms associated with mental illness, including:

• • Anger, irritability, and aggressiveness
  • Anxiety
  • Post-traumatic stress
  • Depression
  • Sleep disorders
  • Substance abuse

We are different and handle things differently. A firefighter might respond to calls for 25 years without having lasting emotional issues. Another firefighter might be permanently affected by a single horrible call, perhaps a multi-fatality house fire or car wreck involving children. Still others can’t point to a single incident but suffer from a build-up effect of countless calls in which they feel unable to help, are but compelled to try.

Firefighters and fire departments face a challenge beyond just increasing awareness of mental illness. Our citizens depend on us to be ready to respond, 24/7. We must be ready to face traumatic scenes; to help people who are homeless, addicted, and domestic violence victims; to respond to active shooter situations. So, it’s important for each of us to make sure we not only take care of our physical health, but our mental health as well. We also need to look out for warning signs in our coworkers, family, and friends. Untreated, these signs can lead to mental health crises or even suicide.

Fire department mental health programs are another critical part of the equation. Many departments offer some services, but the quality and comprehensiveness vary widely. According to the experts at Lexipol, a company that creates wellness solutions for fire departments and other high-stress professions binged.it/4h5BUiV  Firefighter wellness programs should address the following:

• Accessibility. Traditional EAPs that don’t offer 24/7 help lines or immediately accessible resources may not serve the needs of firefighters who work nontraditional hours.
• Confidentiality. One of the biggest reasons first responders don’t access mental health resources is their belief that department administration will be aware of it and that it can hurt their career or even force them onto light duty or medical leave. It’s critical that your department’s program guarantee confidentiality (it will likely take time to build firefighter trust that the services are, indeed, confidential).
• Flexibility. One size doesn’t fit all. The mental health services you offer should reflect the culture and needs of your department. It’s also essential that you point firefighters to providers who are vetted and experienced in treating first responders.

With a statistic like one-in-five, it’s a good bet someone in your organization needs help, and many more will need help in the future. It might even be you. What are you doing to take a stand for firefighter mental health?

Sam DiGiovanna is a 40-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as Fire Chief at the Monrovia Fire Department, and currently serves as Chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale. He also is Associate Director for the California Training Officers Association and a consultant for www.Lexipol.com